Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

I accept and take great note of what the Leas-Cheann Comhairle states. The Ceann Comhairle has embarked upon a public relations exercise to amplify the role and functions of the Dáil. He has undertaken to go out onto the streets and bring people from the streets into the Dáil. The best action he could take to achieve his goals is to assist the House in the debating procedure and ensure, in so far as the impartial office of the Ceann Comhairle can, that we do not succumb to rushed legislation and the use of the guillotine at the behest of the Government. We have done this in the past and this Bill shows the reason we regret doing so.

The Opposition is not willing to tolerate the repeated use of the guillotine. We require a reasonable period of notice of legislation for the Dáil Order Paper, together with a reasonable time lapse between the various Stages of Bills from Second Stage through to Report and Final Stages. It is fundamentally unfair of the Government to treat the Legislature in a way which sees legislation passed hurriedly and without the opportunity for adequate scrutiny. We will not allow the Government to push through laws about which serious questions are raised. As this Bill involves a mere technical amendment, I have no difficulty in completing all Stages between now and the close of business. However, we must learn from it and ensure it marks the end of the Government's efforts to hinder Parliament from carrying out its constitutional role. I hope the Minister's tenure will signal a return to good practice in the justice portfolio.

Fine Gael supports the Bill. I may have questions to ask on Committee Stage which I am sure the Minister will deal with satisfactorily.

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