James Reilly (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Byrne for allowing me to speak ahead of her because this is her area. I am very happy to the hear the Minister of State's contribution today and her decision is the result of a very long process that has been thorny and beset by many legal issues and difficulties. The wider effect of this, apart from the benefit to the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, RCSI, is a much improved Bill. The Minister of State has put in a triple lock. It is very important that those which have university status are mindful of it and meet criteria at all times and know that there is sanction when they do not. I welcome that provision in the Bill and that there is an appeal process.

I thank the Minister of State and her officials for the work they done and for their co-operation. I also thank those Members of the House who supported this. I openly and proudly admit that the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland is my alma mater and is an institution of standing over centuries. It has produced many good doctors not just for this country but for countries across the world. Many of the annals of medical history are littered with names from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. I do not want to delay the Bill as I can see the Acting Chairman is eager to progress. I want to congratulate all those concerned and hope that the Bill will receive an expeditious passage through the Dáil.