Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State, as well as our guests in the Visitors Gallery. I echo the Minister of State's comments in welcoming the legislation. I am delighted that it is on its final journey. It is a very welcome development that the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, RCSI, now has a path towards becoming a university. I am delighted that Fianna Fáil has played its part in that regard. I acknowledge the Minister of State and the officials in her Department who were open to discussing various issues related to the RCSI. I also pay tribute to my colleague Senator Keith Swanick for his input into that process. I acknowledge that the Minister of State was open to considering all sensible solutions concerning not only the RCSI but also the financial liability provisions in section 31 which provide much needed clarity on the issue.

I thank all concerned. I am delighted that this very worthwhile legislation has reached its destination.