Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all Members for their co-operation in helping us to bring this legislation through the Houses quite quickly. I understand that we requested not to avail of pre-legislative scrutiny in this case. In general, we should always do pre-legislative scrutiny if we possibly can but all the Members here, from all parties, recognised the urgency and importance of getting this done as quickly as possible. I thank everyone for their assistance in doing that. I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach and the offices of both Houses of the Oireachtas for their assistance with that process.

I also thank our Department officials who engaged as much as they possibly could with all concerns that were expressed. They have reacted to those concerns by bringing forward a Bill that reflects the Supreme Court decision but also keeps the work of, and the focus on, the Workplace Relations Commission, WRC, intact. I thank all involved. I mention specifically Ms Tara Coogan and Ms Áine Maher, two officials working in the industrial and workplace unit of the Department. They have done great work. This is the first time Ms Maher has brought legislation through the Houses in conjunction with us. I recognise her work.