Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

Why are we here in the first place if we do not take our job seriously and be responsible about legislation being passed, particularly when it has such serious implications?

Unfortunately, not for the first time, the Tánaiste will table 40 amendments on Committee Stage and more on Report Stage. How can we scrutinise the full gambit of amendments required? Even at this stage, will the Tánaiste think twice about the merits of what he is doing? As we know from the past, rushed legislation is bound to come back and haunt us in a way the Tánaiste cannot foresee. It will cost us all in terms of its effect, the bad name which politics, and the Tánaiste's own name if he values it, will receive. The law itself will be demeaned by this type of process. I ask the Tánaiste to reconsider and ask all parties to bear in mind this is rushed legislation and it is not wise to proceed with it at present.

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