Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

The Opposition has responsibilities regarding the processing of legislation and the speedy passage of legislation through the Dáil. From time to time the Opposition wants to give additional time to certain Bills, for very good reasons in most cases. The Motor Vehicle (Duties and Licences) Bill is a good example. The Labour Party sought additional time to debate it and we granted it. As Chief Whip I could give many examples of debates on Bills where I granted additional time following requests from the Opposition. One must also consider the committee process and Seanad involvement. The length of time given to Bills is not simply a question of responsibility of the Government.

I have already answered the Deputy on the beginning of a new Dáil. Ministers must prioritise their legislation. In the last Dáil we enacted 209 Bills. Coming back to Government with new partners we had a clean sheet environment and this is part and parcel of a certain degree of the preparation that took place in the first session. We are now into a free-flowing system of legislation. It is not my job to list the Bills that are being taken but they include the Student Support Bill, the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill and the social welfare Bill. Many more have been outlined and we intend to publish them this session on section A of the Government legislative list. This will be dealt with on the Order of Business if required. A clear system of information is available to Opposition Deputies, who can ask questions.

I cannot give the exact number of meetings of the committee. We meet as necessary and I keep a close watch on that. My reply refers to meeting every few weeks and it is certainly very regularly. I can provide the Deputy with the information if it is of interest to him. The purpose is to keep legislation flowing and keep Ministers focused. They address the committee when required. My job is to keep it going and I am satisfied that we are in that situation now. I am conscious that I must work closely with Ministers but there is a good degree of free-flowing legislation and there is more online.

See this speech in context