Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

They still do not understand them, even after spending time on the Government benches. I resent the degree to which the Oireachtas is being by-passed on every legislation. Heretofore, Ministers were anxious to ensure that they were covered in so far as their accountability to the House was concerned. Now, however, a policy has been developed whereby major changes can be made, which can have a profound effect on legislation by virtue of regulations a Minister may think up in a lighter or not so light moment. I am not suggesting that the Minister of State has lighter moments but the extent of the impact of the regulations should be borne in mind. In particular we need to consider how the industry will be affected by the magnitude of regulations which can completely alter the import and impact of the legislation.

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