Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I join with my colleagues in congratulating my fellow countyman, Senator Ó Céidigh, for bringing forward this Bill. I know that this issue of fraudulent claims, etc., goes back a long way in Galway. The Galway business community will be extremely proud of their local son who has brought this Bill forward. I congratulate the Senator. It says much to his character, his ability to bring people onside and to get them behind an idea. It has shone through in this Bill, which he must be proud of. Those who engage with him and the business people of Galway will be proud of what he has done.

I will turn to the Minister. Not every Minister is open to a new Bill being introduced by an Independent Member. I congratulate the Minister and his staff for their willingness to listen to the arguments from Senator Ó Céidigh, to offer advice and assistance, and to the Minister for sitting here calmly and working his way through the Bill with the group. I appreciate what the Minister has done. I know that when this gets to the Dáil, he will be equally agreeable in trying to move this forward, because I think he too is committed to it. I am delighted that the Independent Group in the Seanad provided sufficient training for Councillor Geoghegan to make it to the position of councillor for Fine Gael. If Fine Gael has anybody else who needs training, feel free to send them our way.