I support Senator Norris with regard to the Medical Practitioners (Amendment) Bill 2013. As the Cathaoirleach is aware, we debated the matter to which the latter relates when I introduced that legislation in December of 2012. While a welcome was given earlier in respect of Bills drafted by Senators on the opposite side of the House, I request that consideration also be given to legislation produced by those on this side.

Hear, hear.

I published two Bills, one of which is the Medical Practitioners (Amendment) Bill 2012. Senator Norris and his colleagues published similar legislation - the Medical Practitioners (Amendment) Bill 2013 - and I welcome that. I feel strongly about this issue because at present there is no law under which medical practitioners are required to have insurance. As a result, people who do not possess adequate insurance are coming in from abroad and providing medical treatments. This matter must be dealt with and it should not be placed on the back burner for a further four years. The first legislation relating to this matter was introduced by the current Minister for Health when he was in opposition, on 13 October 2009.

Is the Senator seconding the amendment to the Order of Business or is he supporting it?

I am outlining my view that Bills produced by Members of this House should be given serious consideration by the Government. In view of the fact that we have taken on board Bills drafted by those on the opposite side, I ask the Leader to afford the same treatment to those produced by Senators on this side.

Congratulations are due to Senator Colm Burke on the excellent Bill he produced and the good debate to which it gave rise.