Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I thank Members of the Seanad for the detailed consideration that they gave to the Bill and for the time that they clearly spent but that is not the right word in the circumstances. I thank them for the time that they have taken to table and consider amendments which is always a helpful and useful exercise. I hope that it has been understood that I listened. As a consequence of the debate that has taken place, Members will know that there have been some changes affected to the Bill. I look forward to taking the Bill to the Dáil and I hope that it will be enacted in the not too distant future.

Jillian van Turnhout (Independent)
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I thank the Minister for this historic legislation. It was long promised but he has delivered. This legislation on spent convictions has brought us into line with our European partners. I know that the Minister has played a strong role and hand in ensuring that we have a rehabilitation system and restorative justice. The legislation is testimony to that and I support it. During the debates in the House on Second Stage, Committee Stage and today on Report Stage we have shown how we can constructively engage in dialogue. Equally, I pay tribute to the Minister for engaging with us in that dialogue and for trying to tease through the arguments to ensure that we have the best legislation. I greatly appreciate that when he attends that he engages extremely constructively with us and I thank him for that.

Averil Power (Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Minister but I acknowledge the work that was done by his predecessor, Dermot Ahern, who initiated work on the legislation. It is the Minister who brought it through the House today. This is important legislation. It will make a big difference to people who have made mistakes but have worked hard to turn their lives around and deserve a second chance. It is great to pass legislation that is so progressive and important. It will make a difference to people who have worked hard and deserve a second chance.

Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)
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Ba mhaith liomsa, chomh maith, buíochas a ghabháil leis an Aire as ucht éisteacht chruinn a thabhairt dúinn ar na céimeanna éagsúla den mBille. I also note that the Minister said on Report State that he will reconsider the Bill as it goes into force and is practised, particularly the length of time. I welcome his comments and I am sure that he will, if he sees a need during the course of time, review the length of time for spent convictions. Fáiltímid roimh an reachtaíocht mar tá sé ag teastáil go géar.