I thank the Minister of State and his officials for their work on this Bill which is overdue and absolutely necessary. In view of all that has been said by Senator McDowell and the Senators opposite, I wish the Minister of State fair wind with the Bill in getting it through the other House expeditiously.
Protection of Employment (Exceptional Collective Redundancies and Related Matters) Bill 2007: Committee and Remaining Stages.
Sections 1 to 27, inclusive, agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Bill reported without amendment and received for final consideration.
Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass."
I wish to be associated with Senator Coghlan's comments. This is important social protection legislation which has become necessary because of very changed circumstances in Ireland in recent years. We gave Committee Stage quick passage largely because the Minister of State's officials were very efficient and helpful in giving us a comprehensive briefing this afternoon during which we had the opportunity to tease out some of the details of the operation of the Bill. I thank him and his officials for that. I also wish the Minister of State well with the Bill in the other House.
I compliment the Minister of State and his officials. It is very efficient to have such a comprehensive Bill brought forward here. The staff put so much effort into it that we can pass it within a short time. It is urgent. As we face a general election and elections to this House in the next few months, it is important legislation such as this is brought forward.
I thank my colleagues, Senators Coghlan and McDowell, for their co-operation. I compliment Senator White who has laboured long and hard in regard to her Bill on ageism. It is very rewarding for her to see recognition by the Minister of State and his officials on the question of removing the upper age limit. It is a major step forward as far as this Bill is concerned and Senator White should be commended on her tireless work in that regard.
I thank Senators and the Acting Chairman for their co-operation in taking all Stages of the Bill. We do not have much time and it is important this Bill is enacted before the end of this Dáil.
Question put and agreed to.
Acting Chairman
When is it proposed to sit again?
At 10. 30 a.m. tomorrow.