Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

It is not at all helpful. It had been my intention to propose a recommittal to Committee Stage at another date. The Minister is now merely discussing a procedural matter which shows no consideration for the importance of this legislation or the fact that people have received no notice of many substantial amendments. This is a shoddy and unprofessional way to conduct business in this House.

This Bill has been in existence since 2001. It went through Committee Stage a full year ago. At that time, the Minister published 159 amendments which have been in existence for the past year. Last night, he published a further 17 pages of amendments, many of which amended his own earlier amendments. We received no notice of these. It is completely unwieldy and makes it impossible for us to keep track of his actions. It is entirely inconsiderate and another indication of the shoddy workmanship of his Department. He has a record of not following proper procedures. I object to the manner by which it is proposed to take this important legislation. There is no book of amendments and the number and grouping of amendments is inadequate. That makes it impossible to do business correctly in this House.

I appeal to the Minister to consider what he is proposing. He should bear in mind that people need notice of what is proposed, time to read through proposed amendments and obtain legal advice in respect of them. The Minister has not allowed us that time. This is unacceptable and I object to his proposal.

See this speech in context