I thank the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, and the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Parlon, for overseeing the passage of this significant and important legislation. We had a good discussion and I am pleased it is going through expeditiously. It has significant positive financial implications for the country.
National Development Finance Agency (Amendment) Bill 2006: Committee and Remaining Stages.
Sections 1 to 13, inclusive, agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Bill reported without amendment and received for final consideration.
Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass."
I agree with Senator Mansergh. It looked for a while as if the Bill would not be passed quite as expeditiously as intended but the St. Rynagh's man, Senator Moylan, saved the day.
I thank the Minister for Finance and the Ministers of State, Deputies Parlon and Power, for their contributions to the debate. I also thank their officials. In recent months we have had two debates on the National Development Finance Agency. I would welcome more regular discussions of the reports and other statements from the agency in order that more light is thrown on its workings. I welcome the passage of the Bill.
This is amending legislation to accord new procurement functions on behalf of Departments and agencies to the NDFA, in addition to its existing functions. In the light of our massive infrastructural investment, it is positive legislation. I thank the Senators who contributed to a very open debate for its speedy expedition.
Question put and agreed to.