Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The whole idea of bringing forward these lists in the present form is to indicate from the outset, in fairness to Opposition spokespersons and everyone else who wishes to contribute to the House, what Bills are likely to be brought forward and what ones are not. Questions about policy issues should be tabled before the relevant Ministers during Question Time. However, if the House is to have Orders of Business in which Members spend at least an hour talking about Bills, which the C list already indicates clearly will not be taken this term, and if Members wish to have a debate on the reason they are not being taken in this term and if that is the best use of Members' time, I will stay here for that.

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