Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

There can be no question but that the outworking of the terms of this Bill — the implementation of the powers to be vested in the Minister — will be our only opportunity to have full access to and exposure of the detail of the Bill's intent and that of the Minister. Under section 5, which provides for regulations dealing with the general implementation of the Act, it is proposed that the Minister, in making regulations under this section, can do so only with the approval of each of the Houses of the Oireachtas. Every Opposition Member knows that the debate that has taken place yesterday and today, and which will conclude tonight, is likely to be the last time we will have a chance to thoroughly examine what is proposed. However, the Minister still holds key and critical cards which he will not place on the table.

There is only one way that we can guarantee that we will not see, at some time in the future, an Order Paper that contains a motion seeking to take X, Y and Z resolutions from the Minister without debate. That has been the pattern heretofore and it is exactly how it will work out in this case unless it is enshrined in the legislation that a debate is essential in coming to the determination of each House's position in regard to the proposition involved. Before we pass any of the resolutions concerned, it must be guaranteed within the legislation that a full debate will take place in this Chamber. The only way that can be guaranteed is by accepting Deputy Morgan's amendment No. 8. I appeal to both Fine Gael and the Labour Party to recognise the importance of retaining the right of full scrutiny in regard to the outworking of the legislation and the Minister's intent in the future. I hope the Minister will accept the amendment. That would be the most appropriate response to the proposition. If he does not do so, I expect Deputy Morgan will press his amendment.

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