Lynn Ruane (Independent)
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Separate to the NDA aspect, the Seanad not being able to introduce amendments to that aspect of the Bill before it is debated on a Dáil Stage is a problem not just for me but for the procedures and processes that exist within the Houses to allow all Senators to do their jobs. It is an issue that goes beyond just me and could apply to issues other than just the NDA amendments. Even though the rest of the Bill will have gone through the Seanad, the Committee Stage amendments in the Dáil will not relate to the maternity aspects. Because the Bill will include miscellaneous provisions, the Committee Stage amendments in the Dáil will effectively concern an entirely new Bill, introduced on a Dáil Stage, that will have never come through the Seanad to allow any Senator to have an input. Even though I am raising this as an issue that affects me, it also relates to understanding the important role that scrutiny in the Seanad plays in regard to all legislation, but that may be a conversation for another day.

In respect of the drafters and the length of time they need, the Minister pointed out that there is a lot of legislative activity at this time of year. Who is in charge of the drafters’ day? Who decides what they focus on and can that focus be taken away? If the Government wants to get through other Bills before an election, will it tell the drafters they should cease their work on this Bill? Does the Minister get to instruct them as to how much time every day they spend on drafting this legislation or is that completely out of his control? Who tells them how to spend their working day?