Gerry Horkan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I propose that we carry out the independent economic analysis over the summer and that we take the Minister up on his offer to fund it. We can decide later who is going to do the work and let them at it. Whatever comes out of that work will ultimately influence the committee's report. There is no benefit in the committee issuing a press release that the Bill has been approved for Committee Stage because nothing is going to happen before mid-September. The committee might sit a week before the Dáil returns but it will certainly not sit three weeks in advance of that. It makes sense to agree to the independent economic assessment because that seems to be the view of most members. The report arising out of that work will influence how the joint committee compiles and finalises its report. The select committee can then make its decision.