Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

This legislation was cobbled together over the weekend. It is clear, given that a further amendment has been published within the last hour, that it is a work in progress. The Minister has not completed her thinking on this. It is clear she has not had an opportunity to get adequate advice on it. The same applies to members of the Opposition. We got the Bill yesterday and we are expected to deal with it today. It is not acceptable. We need consultation and expert advice on this. I would like the Taoiseach to explain the reason for the hurry with this legislation. I have indicated that the Labour Party will be more than happy to facilitate the Government in two weeks' time. We could deal with this Bill properly, as we are supposed to do, at that stage. Why is the Government ramming it through today? Can the Taoiseach give us an adequate explanation? It is a most unusual way of taking legislation. It is a bad way to deal with legislation. There is a responsibility on the Taoiseach to explain to us the urgency of these provisions. The limited time of four hours available to us this evening will be dominated by the pensions issue but there is a range of other issues of concern in respect of the social welfare provisions that need to be adequately debated and voted on. By dealing with this first in the debate means that we will not consider the social welfare provisions. That is completely unacceptable. Will the Taoiseach explain the urgency in this matter?

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