Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

That is not the issue. The reason we are so trenchant in our opposition to how it is being handled is because it is so important. There is one thing I cannot understand. The Minister has talked repeatedly about the urgency of this legislation and I do not discount that. However, the budget was only three weeks ago and the Minister for Finance did not talk about this matter then. It was as urgent three weeks ago as it is today. Second Stage was only last week. The Minister signalled that something would be happening, but we do not understand the urgency of having to pass the Bill today, particularly when the Minister for Finance still has to make regulations on it anyway. For the record, I want to repeat that good legislation is legislation that we have had time to consider and discuss with experts. I am not a pensions expert in any shape or form, but we are trying. Although it is possible that I could support much of what is proposed, I cannot do so because I have not had an opportunity to consult to ensure I agree with the proposals. I will raise my objections to those aspects of the Bill with which I disagree as we proceed.

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