Aidan Davitt (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome all the good work that Senators Higgins and Ruane have done on the Bill. They have spent quite a bit of time on the legislation and not even small details were omitted. Senator Higgins spoke passionately about the legislation and to the point, which was great.

Contracts are never simple and basing procurement on quality would not guarantee that we know the final price. Over the years I have been involved with a lot of contracts so I know there are always extras and add-ons. The devil is in the detail at that stage and nothing is ever straightforward.

I have discussed this legislation briefly with Senator Higgins and the Bill's general drive has a lot of merit. I also have spoken briefly to the Minister of State and he will outline his position, as discussed. I thank the Senator and wish her the best of luck with her Bill.