Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

As other Deputies have done, I indicate acceptance of the amendments as presented. I will not repeat any of the points already made. One would be tempted to ask who else might incur expenses other than the Taoiseach and the Administration etc.

The only point of importance to make, especially this week, is to echo the Minister of State's commendation of the further scrutiny of the legislation by the Seanad and the useful role it has played in terms of greater exactitude in the final legislation that will go to the President. Surely, against the backdrop of repeated guillotines in this and the previous week, there must be a realisation that what we are putting through in this most imperfect and truncated opportunity for Members is legislation that is likely to be littered with flaws, faults and issues that may have to be revisited.

On the point the Minister of State made about the final amendment, which was attributed to Senator Ryan, I have no doubt that if the legislation had gone through without that having been identified, the Minister of State would have had to come back. That is a fact. That is the import of it. Given all the legislation, from the Defence (Amendment) Bill last night to the Building Societies (Amendment) Bill tonight and so many other Bills over recent weeks, surely the lesson must be taken on board from this exercise that this is something to be avoided at all costs. Greater sitting time would accommodate the requirement of better scrutiny and a more perfect legislative process. I have no doubt that all Members would be enthused by such an approach. On behalf of my colleagues I acknowledge the amendments as presented and record support for them.

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