Seanad debates

Wednesday, 20 July 2016

Commission of Investigation (Irish Bank Resolution Corporation) Bill 2016: Committee and Remaining Stages

 

Sections 1 to 9, inclusive, agreed to.

Title agreed to.

Bill reported without amendment and received for final consideration.

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

10:30 am

Photo of David StantonDavid Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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On my behalf and on behalf of the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality I thank the Members of the House for facilitating the passage of the Bill. I am pleased that it has received such wide support in both Houses. While that support is a reflection of the consultation with representatives of the Opposition in developing the provisions of the Bill, it is also a reflection of the shared commitment in the Houses to ensure that the commission of investigation into transactions conducted by the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation, IBRC, is given every opportunity to perform its functions effectively and efficiently. Together with the proposed amended terms of reference, which will see a modular approach adopted in respect of the conduct of the investigation by the commission, I am confident that the commission will shortly have all of the powers necessary to carry out its important work.

Photo of Martin ConwayMartin Conway (Fine Gael)
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I thank the Minister. His visit to the House was brief and he is an extremely busy man, but this is very important legislation. I also wish to acknowledge the co-operation we have received so far on many elements of the justice, equality and disability portfolio from the Opposition parties, and particularly Senators Wilson and Clifford-Lee. If people seek a definition of "new politics", and I have heard many people talking about that definition, this Bill epitomises what is new politics and what politics should be about, namely, achieving consensus in as many areas as possible. This Bill is the result of extensive negotiations between the Government and the Opposition primarily focused on ensuring the commission of investigation can do a proper job to get to the bottom of these issues on behalf of the citizens of this country.

The Bill is important and it will yield results. I and all Members of the House wish the commission of investigation and its chairman the best in the important work it must do on behalf of the people of this country.

Photo of Diarmuid WilsonDiarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the Minister back to the House. He certainly will not require any orientation courses if he happens to become, through no fault of his own, a Member of the House in the future. He will know his way around it anyway, although I hope that does not happen. I welcome the Bill. We had a detailed discussion about it yesterday. The answers to the questions that my party seeks will be found as a result of this necessary legislation. I wish the chairman well in his work.

Photo of David StantonDavid Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Senators for their comments. I also wish to acknowledge the very hard work of the officials in the Department in getting the legislation this far.

Question put and agreed to.