John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)

I would like to deal with another issue before I put the amendment to the amendment. Deputy Charles Flanagan indicated earlier this evening that he was seeking an explanation of what happened to an amendment he had intended to propose during this debate. He said he would prefer to receive an explanation in the Chamber this evening, rather than in writing at a later stage. I asked the staff of my office to clarify precisely why Deputy Flanagan's proposed amendments to amendment No. 39 were not on the third list of additional and substitute amendments. Having had the matter checked, I understand that the Bills Office approached the Fine Gael Party's liaison officer, or contact point for all amendments, when the second substitute version of the Minister's amendment No. 39 was circulated. The liaison officer was told at that point that Deputy Flanagan's amendments should not be tabled to the latest version of the Minister's amendment, which is now before the House. It appeared at that point that neither of Deputy Flanagan's amendments to the amendment could be addressed to the latest version of the Minister's amendment. When it subsequently became clear that the second of Deputy Flanagan's amendments to amendment No. 39 could be addressed to the Minister's amendment, the Bills Office approached the liaison officer again to ascertain whether, in such circumstances, Deputy Flanagan wished to table the second amendment to the amendment. The liaison officer did not revert to the office, however. Given that my office extends every assistance to all Members at all times, I am sure Deputy Flanagan will appreciate that no discourtesy was intended in this case. In fact, it appears that an opportunity to resubmit the amendments to amendment No. 39 was provided, but not availed of by his party's personnel.

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