Vol. 1 No. 3
This concludes the Select Committee's consideration of the Industrial Development (Enterprise Ireland) Bill, 1998. In accordance with Standing Order 79(b), the Committee Clerk will now send a message to the Clerk of the Dáil to that effect, which will be conveyed to the Dáil by the Ceann Comhairle.
On behalf of the Select Committee I thank the Minister, her officials and Members of the Committee, in particular the Opposition spokespersons.
May I just amend that to say "the Members who missed probably the most exciting match of the World Cup".
We had better not include that.
I was psychologically geared to about 7.30 p.m. because we have been on the go since 2.30 p.m. - an unusual day. I admire the stamina of the committee. I thank all the Members of the Committee for their co-operation and I am sorry those who have a huge interest in the World Cup missed today's matches.
I thank all my colleagues on the committee and the officials for the work they have undertaken. It was quite a heavy Bill with a large number of amendments. I pay tribute to all involved.
I join in thanking the Minister and her staff. I also thank the staff of this committee. It is somewhat ironic that, this being the first major legislation we have had to deal with in Opposition, the heavy burden should fall on exactly the same day the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment's takes Priority Questions. It was really very unlucky for us and I hope it will not happen again. Like the Minister, all of us have been on the go since long before 2.30 p.m. We had a Front Bench meeting earlier and it finished literally 20 minutes before I went to prepare for questions. This has been an extraordinarily long day. I commend all of us, including the Chair, for our stamina. I am looking forward to hearing the result of the World Cup match.
As Government Whip, I wish to thank the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for her readiness to answer questions.
I also wish to thank the Minister and her staff for coming here today.
Congratulations to one and all.
