Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

Presumably these are exceptional circumstances; otherwise we would not be asked by the Government to take this legislation tonight. It is a cause of acute concern that the party spokespersons received no notice of it until this evening. I have not seen the legislation and it does not take very much probing to realise its far-reaching implications. We are not being allowed any time to tease it out or ask pertinent questions. I am very uneasy about the time being allowed by the Government Whip.

If it is essential that the legislation pass through both Houses tonight or before the opening of business tomorrow, a more adequate timeframe ought to be allowed in which to put questions to the Minister — there cannot be an adequate one given where we find ourselves. It may well be that she can reassure this side of the House. The legislation has implications for existing jobs, future entrants to the market and the entire medical insurance sector. The time provided by the Government Whip does not allow for elucidation of any of these issues.

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