Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)

First, I wish to humbly apologise to the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and the Clerk for my misinterpretation of the order of amendments earlier and for getting unnecessarily angry. I understand now that the Leas-Cheann Comhairle was in no way precluding me from contributing. I do not think I am the only one confused, however, as amendment numbers appear to have been mixed up.

I will not be moving amendment No. 1 or amendment No. 4, whichever one it is now, as it relates to a report. The substantive amendment comes later and I will withdraw it. Will the Minister give an assurance that he will not enact or introduce a commencement order in the community welfare officer system, pending the outcome of the general election? Thus far, he has always mollified me when I have been angry about issues but I have strong feelings about the community welfare officer system.

I argued in favour of the proposal in amendment No. 4 last June, probably 12 months before the election, and in October and November. My motivation, therefore, is not electoral but based on the idea that the proposal is in the best interests of members of the public. The step proposed by the Minister is unnecessary.

As the Leas-Cheann Comhairle pointed out, we will not discuss the issues in question until much later. For this reason, I will withdraw the amendment but other amendments will be moved to address the issue.

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