Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I understand the Harbours (Amendment) Bill has been extensively debated in the Seanad and here over a long period and that many amendments which have already been extensively debated are being re-entered. It is a prerogative of Deputies to re-enter amendments if they so wish. It is not correct to suggest that many of these amendments have not already been debated. They have, but are being resubmitted for further discussion, the issues having already been given a full explanation. However, resubmitting of amendments is a procedural matter. There has been extensive debate on the legislation.

In the case of the criminal justice legislation planned for this week, further time has been provided by the Chief Whip in an effort to accommodate the requirements and demands of the House on the matter. Many of the guillotines ordered for the House on the Order of Business have not had to be utilised because of fewer speakers presenting or the shorter length of time required to deal with a Bill when it comes to the crunch. Deputy Gilmore may be able to point up a particular instance, but the Chief Whip has sought, working with the other Whips concerned, to accommodate Deputies to the best extent he can and predict as well as he can the interest in and level of debate and the time required to be allocated for Bills. One does not always get it exactly right, but he has got it right more often than not in the past.

I take the point made. The issue always arises with regard to end of session issues. The guillotine may not need to be used, but it must be provided for in the ordering of business to ensure the Government gets through the agenda it sets.

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