Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I am glad to note in respect of No. 22 that the Government does not propose to guillotine the Disability Bill as envisaged earlier in the week. I note also in respect of No. a8 that the Government wishes to postpone statements on suicide. This is acceptable provided the House is given a guarantee that the debate will take place at an appropriate time, possibly next week.

The proposal for dealing with No. a8 is not the way to do business. This is the second time in three weeks that emergency legislation has been brought to the notice of the House. Last week, legislation was introduced to deal with Waterways Ireland and the issue of ground rents, while this week it relates to an element of the Landlord and Tenant (Ground Rents) Bill. The Fine Gael Party spokesman in this area, Deputy Hogan, contacted me at 7 a.m. The committee is in Wexford dealing with small business issues but this Bill is expected to be rushed through the House today. This is not the way to do business and I object to it for that reason. The content of the Bill is necessary but I cannot understand how the Government expects to come in here, get approval for this, hold a briefing session for spokespersons at 11 a.m. and rush the legislation through all Stages at 1.30 p.m. I object to the manner in which we have been presented with this and the way the Government proposes to deal with it. Putting emergency legislation through the House for the second time in three weeks is no way to do business.

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