Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Cathaoirleach. I want to hear from the officials as to why the Bill is before this committee. My understanding is that a Cabinet decision was made to transfer it to this committee but we will hear from the officials on that. It strikes me that as the committee with the lengthy name referred to by the Chair has concluded a piece of work in this area, it would be best placed to discuss the Bill. It is not acceptable for the Cabinet to request that pre-legislative scrutiny of such a large Bill be waived. I also believe this committee would have a job of work to do to get skilled up in the way the other committee is because its members have discussed this matter. I am mystified as to how the Bill has ended up with our committee. I have my own view on that but I will not share it right now. I am interested in hearing from the officials.