Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I am well full of Second Stage speeches that were made all day on a Committee Stage amendment yesterday. The Ceann Comhairle facilitated that, so he can allow participation here this morning on these amendments. I could well be finished and we could be on the second amendment if I was not being continually pulled up.

What is being proposed in this first amendment? We must have the opportunity for scrutiny. The Minister's amendment, passed through the Seanad, is consequential to the debate on Committee Stage amendment No. 1. It was also very much in line with the arguments presented by my colleague in amendment No. 8 for section 5 which was not accepted or responded to by the Minister.

It sought the guarantee that the House would have the opportunity to debate the draft of the proposed scheme, which this amendment proposes. Time after time we have seen Government proposals on the Order Paper that facilitate the passage of proposals and resolutions without debate. Debate on this scheme is essential. I would have liked this amendment to go further and to know what guarantees the Government is prepared to offer the House. I would have liked the amendment to include the opportunity of detailed scrutiny of the draft scheme in advance of the Minister moving on his respective resolutions. That is the guarantee we require and the context of my contribution to this amendment. I want the reassurance that the House will have the opportunity to properly peruse and address the detail contained in any of the draft schemes or a resolution.

In deference to other Members offering and the Ceann Comhairle's tetchiness this morning — I suppose due to the lack of sleep——

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