On my own behalf and that of the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, I thank the Members of the House for facilitating the passage of the Bill which I am pleased 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 the commission of investigation into transactions conducted by the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation, IBRC, will be 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 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.
Commission of Investigation (Irish Bank Resolution Corporation) Bill 2016: Committee and Remaining Stages
I thank the Minister of State whose visit to the House was brief. While he is an extremely busy man, this is very important legislation. I also acknowledge the co-operation we have received so far on many elements of the justice, equality and disability portfolio from the Opposition parties, particularly Senators Diarmuid Wilson and Lorraine Clifford-Lee. If people seek a definition of "new politics" - I have heard many people talking about that definition - the Bill epitomises what is new politics and what politics should be about, namely, achieving consensus in as many areas as possible. The 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 citizens.
The Bill is important and will yield results. 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.
I welcome the Minister of State back to the House. He certainly will not require any orientation course 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, although I hope that will not happen.
I welcome the Bill, on which we had a detailed discussion yesterday. The answers to the questions my party seeks will be found as a result of this necessary legislation. I wish the chairman well in his work.
I thank the Senators for their comments. I also acknowledge the very hard work of the officials in the Department in getting the legislation this far.