Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

No. Departmental officials kindly provided a briefing last week for Deputy Olivia Mitchell and myself, during which we discussed the schedule for taking the legislation. The understanding was that the Bill would not be before the House until next week. I did not receive a schedule of business for this week and it was only when one of the officials rang me before lunch that I discovered the Bill would be before the House today. I want to table Report Stage amendments, including an amendment that was not discussed on Committee Stage. I gave notice of my intention to table an amendment in that regard.

This is not a satisfactory way of dealing with legislation. Given that the Department sat on it for four years and that the Minister has sat on it for 12 months following a lengthy Committee Stage debate, it is unreasonable to spring Fifth Stage now and rush us into finalising the legislation. Another few days will not make a difference to the legislation.

In deference to Members of the House and proper procedure, I ask the Minister to defer Report Stage to enable us to table amendments, as we are entitled to do under Standing Orders. It would be most unfair if the Minister pushed ahead and forced Report Stage through without giving us notice and, thereby, denying us an opportunity to engage in a debate on Fifth Stage.

See this speech in context