Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)

There is no need for anyone to clarify it with me. I am acutely aware of my rights on behalf of my party. Do not say there is somebody else who does not want to hear what I have to say.

The Minister should not sign any commencement order. He should allow this matter to come back before the new Government. This is an unnecessary and retrograde step. There was a good reason the late Frank Cluskey left this as an ad hoc situation. The rationale has not changed in the interim. The Labour Party will oppose this measure. Deputy Stanton feels strongly about this issue also. He put his views on record in the strongest terms on Committee Stage and I assume he will oppose it bitterly also. We will put this issue to a vote because it is an important and fundamental one.

There is no need to do anything. As Deputy Murphy correctly stated, when a system is working well, is adaptable and flexible and co-operates with the applicants for help, it should be retained. We should ensure the necessary flexibility is available to people who require help. When this amendment is passed by the Minister, with the help of his Government colleagues, that situation will not prevail.

Why is the Minister only now meeting the people who operate the scheme through their union representatives? As Deputy Stanton eloquently stated, why was the horse not brought out before the cart? Instead, the cart was brought out and now the horse is running a half mile behind.

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