Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

We would like to proceed. I accept that it has required the forbearance of the Opposition. Members opposite will understand that decisions were made early this morning and the statement of principle made at 7 a.m, after which a Cabinet meeting took place at which the heads of the Bill were approved. Officials have been working to get this to the House this evening. However, it is a complex area and one must get it right in terms of the financial issues involved. It was hoped and anticipated that the Bill would be brought to the House sooner than this. The final draft of the Bill has been available since 7.30 p.m. This is, in substance, the Bill for discussion on Second Stage, were it to take place now or at 10 p.m. If the Opposition wishes to wait for the final green version of the Bill, that will be available at 9.45 p.m. It will effectively be the same Bill as we have before us. We will also have Committee and Report Stages.

I apologise for the situation that has arisen. It is not the fault of anyone in this House but arises as a result of the strenuous work that has been done to ensure we give legislative expression to the statement of principle that was made this morning. That is the situation and I ask for the forbearance of the House in this matter. It is a unique situation in which we find ourselves and I ask that our proposal be accepted. I understand some of the points that have been made. However, the delay is not the fault of anybody here but is a result of the logistics of getting the Bill to the House as quickly as possible.

See this speech in context