Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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I have no problem with any evidence being tested. However, I challenge the bona fides of what Deputy Michael McGrath is saying. He should allow this Bill to progress to Committee Stage, with the independent analysis concluded before that Stage in order that we could then shape our amendments. If he wishes to vote against the Bill at that point, so be it. The reality, when one cuts through everything, is that this is a stalling tactic. If the Deputy stalls this Bill for another three or four months, we will run out of time to bring this legislation in. I give the Deputy the opportunity to show his bona fides by allowing this Bill to go to Committee Stage, but not taking Committee Stage until the independent analysis is done. That would show that the spirit of the Bill is being supported, but we could also examine further evidence if need be before we deal with the committee amendments. We could decide at that point if we wanted the Bill to progress to Report Stage. Otherwise, this is nothing but a stalling tactic and an attempt to scuttle this Bill and stop it in its tracks.