Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is a very important point. As I understand it, the Minister was anxious that the legislation would proceed, but a number of members felt it should be left until the new year to give it appropriate time, given its importance and the issues affecting their constituencies and so on. I was informed yesterday by the Department that it would not proceed to Committee Stage next week, even if it was passed by the Dáil. I do not know if it will even be passed tonight or tomorrow.