Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

I raised a matter yesterday and also last week and do not wish to detain the House but it is an important issue in regard to the manner in which we engage in the process of business here. I speak about the Intoxicating Liquor Bill which is before the House. We raised the matter last night at the outset of the debate. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has not indicated a favourable response to requests from this side of the House that sufficient time be made available to discuss Committee Stage of this legislation. I express my disappointment with the office of the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach because I have had to raise this matter again. What are the arrangements? Yesterday, the only response I received from the office of the Government Whip when I asked the arrangements for Committee Stage, given the guillotine has been sharpened for this and, indeed, other legislation, was that Report Stage would be taken next week. How could Report Stage be listed for this Chamber for next week when the First Stage had not been moved when I got the message? This is a serious question. I regret the fact the Ceann Comhairle is being dismissive of what I say.

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