Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise a point of order. Standing Order 183 of the Standing Orders of the Houses provides:

Where Bills are to be substantially amended at Committee or Report Stage the Ceann Comhairle or Cathaoirleach of the Committee as the case may be shall have discretion to direct that the member in charge of the Bill must provide a revised explanatory memorandum to assist members in considering the amendments.

That means the explanatory memorandum must be provided at the time the amendments are being considered. The amendments the Minister of State will introduce substantially amend the Bill, by any stretch. In particular, a whole new Part 3 will be introduced, which has not been flagged previously. Part 3 is a substantial change; I do not think anybody could argue otherwise. I refer, in particular, to all the provisions around high-risk vendors. The committee needs to be furnished with an explanatory memorandum to consider that. From where is the impetus for that change coming? How is it being considered? What fair procedures and natural justice will apply in these determinations? None of that is covered in the Bill and certainly no notice was given on Second Stage. We need an explanatory memorandum, although I appreciate that is at the Chair's discretion.