Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman. A number of amendments are being moved today. We hope and expect to have another look at some, not all, of these on Report Stage. If we have the flexibility from the committee it would be very helpful.

I also wish to outline to the committee the situation with Deputy Doherty's Bill, which is quite similar to this Bill and which is currently moving through the Seanad. We have requested the Seanad to consider that Bill next week, on Committee Stage, depending on the consent of the Seanad. With regard to Deputy Doherty's Bill it is my objective, as I have said in the Seanad, to bring forward the best legislation we can. We are taking Committee Stage of that Bill next week in the Seanad and then we will take the subsequent Report Stage. There will be two bites at that Bill and two bites at this Bill. I ask the committee for flexibility today, if possible, so we can have another opportunity to think about this and try to improve it. We shall have as good and solid a debate as we can, but all of us have the objective of trying to ensure the best legislation.