Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

At 8.55 p.m., a little over ten minutes ago, the Bills Office in this institution had not received a copy of the draft Bill which has been circulated here during the past hour. Our office, in contact with the Bills Office with regard to receipt of amendments to the legislation, was told it had no idea how to proceed. The Bills Office did not have a copy of the Bill at 8.55 p.m. This is a factual situation and if anything exemplifies the absolute chaos that is taking place throughout this evening and tonight in this House this spells it out very clearly.

We must have careful and responsible consideration of all that is involved in this legislation. I join with Deputy Gilmore in presenting the case that we should adjourn this debate until tomorrow morning, when people will be intent on going through it with a clear mind and a fresh head, rather than trying to fast-track legislation of such importance into the early hours of the morning. It is a bad way to do business at any time but in the case of something of such great importance and all that it entails, we must act responsibly, be clear headed and have a clear understanding of all the potential consequences of the passage of this legislation. I appeal to the Taoiseach to consider adjourning for this evening. We have had deferral after deferral with no sight of any amendments to be proposed by any of the parties. All Members and all parties have a responsibility to consider everything that presents with the greatest of care. I recommend that we adjourn, clear the decks and reconvene tomorrow in order to address this comprehensively with all the care, time and attention it not only deserves but that the Irish people would demand.

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