I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House and the expeditious manner in which he brought the Bill through the Seanad. Both sides of the House would agree the Bill is balanced and reasonable. I wish the Minister of State well with other legislation he brings before us.
Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2007: Committee and Remaining Stages.
Sections 1 to 3, inclusive, agreed to.
Bill reported without amendment and received for final consideration.
Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass."
I add some words to those of the Minister of State. If there were backhanded compliments from me, they were compliments, which is not always the case.
I hate rushed legislation, as we all do. This Bill clearly had to come through and it has done so, with the Minister of State explaining it very well. There is little doubt in my mind that we have two Chambers and we have the ability to get legislation through them. We must try to avoid rushed legislation in future but I congratulate the Minister of State and his officials for getting this Bill through as efficiently as he did.
I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House and guiding the Bill through. I made a request for the general election to be held on a Friday if at all possible to accommodate students and young people, especially people from rural Ireland.
Hear, hear.
Ireland extends beyond the Pale and it is important that in a democracy, fair play is evident. This has been an issue with many young people, including those I have met last weekend and since the Taoiseach made his statement. Perhaps the Minister of State could use his good offices to impress on the Taoiseach the needs of those people in the electorate.
I am sure the Taoiseach will heed the Senator's comments.
The sooner, the better for the sake of the electorate and citizens of our State.
Hear, hear.
I thank the Senators for their co-operation and the expeditious and constructive way in which they dealt with the Bill.
Question put and agreed to.
Sitting suspended at 7.30 p.m. and resumed at 8.30 p.m.