Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I share Deputy Cian O'Callaghan's concern. Members are suggesting we meet this week and the next to carry out pre-legislative scrutiny. A report has to be produced. We then have to meet to decide on that report, submit recommendations or deal with other considerations. Then the report has to be rewritten and brought back to be agreed by the committee. Then it has to be laid before the House. The Bill then proceeds to various Stages in the Dáil. I did not know the timescale for it next week.

We would end up with a situation where we are fast approaching 12 April. It would be even more rushed at that point to get it through, and that is if we were to get it through within that timeframe at all. It still has to go to the President for signing. I do not want to create a situation where we end up with a period of time where people who need protection from eviction end up between legislation. Yesterday, that was described as catastrophic. I have to take that advice and guidance.

I call Deputy McAuliffe.