Paul Daly (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister thanked almost everyone under the sun, but I suppose modesty would not allow him to thank or compliment himself. However, before we wrap up, it is important to say that he is due strong compliments and much thanks for getting this Bill over the line. A lot of work was done in the Department and the Parliament. I know, because the Minister and I were spokespeople in the Opposition in the previous Dáil and Seanad, that this was the Minister's brainchild. He promoted it strongly. As I said, before we got to Departments or the Parliament, he succeeded in having it included in our party's manifesto for the last election and followed through in getting it included in the programme for Government. It is not often that Ministers who introduce Bills and see them enacted can turn around and say it was theirs from inception. This Bill was his. We all try to come up with Private Members' Bills we might bring from beginning to end and get over the line. What a great achievement and legacy it would be for us to cherish in years to come. The Minister achieved that today. This Bill was not introduced by someone else or pushed at the Department by someone else. It was not a compromise as part of the formation of a coalition. It was the Minister's brainchild and he deserves to take the credit this evening. I compliment him on that and wish to be included in his thanks to his officials and everyone else who played any role along the long journey. The destination and not the journey is important.