Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I confirm that I am in Leinster House.

Not to have the Bill before the committee for pre-legislative scrutiny says a lot about the Minister and his attitude towards the committee and the Bill. Several members made points about 12 April and the time constraints. It is not the fault of the committee that we are in this position. It is as a result of the Minister not bringing the Bill before the committee in proper time. I travelled from Cork today just to vote on this issue. I would prefer to have the Bill in front of us and for us to scrutinise it, which is what we should be doing. That is our job. It is why the committee is here. For members to have to come up to Leinster House for a vote and then leave is not acceptable or the proper way in which we should be doing business. We have tried to work together on the committee and to be positive and constructive. That is the way I want to be, but not doing one's job is not being positive and constructive.

A section of the Bill removes protections for renters. Deputy Ó Broin has put forward a proposal which I wish to second. It is a compromise that would allow the committee to move ahead and to protect renters without bringing in the extra section to which I refer. I think it is a fair compromise and would go some way in terms of the committee doing its job today.