Seanad debates

Thursday, 26 June 2003

Opticians (Amendment) Bill 2002 [ Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil ] : Report and Final Stages.

 

10:30 am

Rory Kiely (Fianna Fail)
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This is a Seanad Bill which has been amended by the Dáil. In accordance with Standing Order 103, it is deemed to have passed its First, Second and Third Stages in the Seanad and is placed on the Order Paper for Report Stage. On the question "That the Bill be received for final consideration", the Minister may explain the purpose of the amendments made by the Dáil. This is looked upon as the report of the Dáil amendments to the Seanad. The only matters, therefore, that may be discussed are the amendments made by the Dáil. For the convenience of Senators, I have arranged for the printing and circulation of those amendments. Senators may speak only once on Report Stage.

Question proposed: "That the Bill be received for final consideration."

Photo of Brian Lenihan JnrBrian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Opticians (Amendment) Bill has been amended by the deletion of the word "containing" in section 2. Section 2(b) originally described contact lenses as "whether containing afocal or focal lenses". Following consultation with my Department, the Opticians Board advised that the word "containing" should be omitted. This amendment was proposed and accepted on Report Stage in Dáil Éireann, which made this change in terminology.

Question put and agreed to.

Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass."

Photo of Terry LeydenTerry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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I commend the Minister of State and the Minister on bringing this Bill to completion. I was in the Department in 1989. This is an excellent Bill and it is long-awaited. Opticians are delighted with it.

Photo of Michael McCarthyMichael McCarthy (Labour)
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I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, for coming to the House. I commend him for his far-sighted vision on this Bill.

Photo of Frank FeighanFrank Feighan (Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House. It is 48 years since the legislation in this area was last amended. I hope that the Bill will be as successful as its predecessor.

Photo of Brian Lenihan JnrBrian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I thank Senators for their contributions. I had the privilege of piloting this Bill through both Houses at various stages. It seems that it will meet the requirements of opticians and also of the consumers and users of optical services for some generations to come.

Question put and agreed to.