Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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With all due respect to the Minister of State, if he goes back through the Official Report he will see that I have raised the very same issue in the context of every single Bill with which I have engaged. I have been entirely consistent on this issue. Anybody with experience of the Opposition benches knows how frustrating it is when there is no opportunity for debate on a controversial statutory instrument.

This Bill includes 11 specific provisions whereby the Minister may prescribe certain matters by way of ministerial order or regulation. My argument is that these matters should not simply be presented to the Oireachtas as a done deal but that there should instead be consultation with the Oireachtas. This is a very emotive Bill and it is important, especially in light of the comments made by the Taoiseach last December, that we have a mechanism to allow for that type of consultation. It is unfair to suggest that I have some ulterior motive in tabling this amendment. The Minister of State can go through every debate to which I have contributed and he will see that I made the exact same point in every case in regard to the making of regulations.