Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am grateful to Seanadóirí for assisting me in that regard. I value their co-operation because it is important to ensure that, in all cases, we can have a seamless transition from the arrangements under the Council regulation Brussels IIA about which I have been speaking to the arrangements for recognition as set out in Part 3.

I am pleased to report to the House that the Government has brought forward a motion to seek the prior concurrence of the Seanad, pursuant to Article 25.2.2°of the Constitution, in a request for early signature of the Bill by the President. I thank everyone for their co-operation and the consensus that has underpinned all aspects of this important legislation. A few months ago, when we decided to proceed and put this matter to the people, I was keen that we would do so with a large measure of consensus. I firmly believe that, on issues we put to the people and request their assent to change the Constitution, it is better to do so in a consensus manner and that we attempt to reach all-party agreement. That would be inclusive of people with no party affiliation. In that regard, I very much acknowledge the disposition of Senators here which I trust will now continue in the context of the legislation before us and we may well be in a position to proceed through all Stages of the legislation this evening.