Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

The prospect of amendments being made then really does not occur. Where we have a debate in advance of it, that is really a return to a Second Stage debate, so it is a fait accompli where we either accept or reject the wording as opposed to having the ability to amend it. It is a very flawed process. It is not the first time we have seen this process used, and sometimes it is useful to get something included in a Bill that otherwise would have to wait for the next legislative measure. However, it is very unsatisfactory at the same time. It would be helpful if we had time to process the amendment in advance of Report Stage, at least.