Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)

The Minister might remember how I complimented him on budget day and after his speech on Second Stage of this Bill. I do not know if he interpreted it as a compliment but I meant it as such. I am convinced he believes in the need for change and we share a belief in the direction that change should take. However, I am frustrated because the amount of change he believes in is far too modest and the speed at which he believes change should take place is painfully slow. These are the two genuine areas of disagreement which exist between most of the parties in this House. The number of fundamental philosophical differences between the parties are few but fundamental differences emerge when it comes to how change is managed and when it can be achieved.

The Minister might think that some of us on this side of the House are sanctimonious for making these arguments but I would prefer to be labelled sanctimonious than be smug and arrogant, traits which are all too evident in the Government. If the Minister seeks real debate, he should have it on those terms rather than engage in name-calling.

With regard to the substantive amendments before us——

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