Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I will not unduly delay the House. For the reasons I gave previously, Sir, that this is a measure of fundamental importance to the future financial stability of the State, this House should have the opportunity to fully consider and debate it. It is a measure that, as we have gone through from Second Stage to Report Stage, has resulted in substantial amendments being brought forward, even by the Government, as it realised the defects and omissions contained in the Bill.

I ask the Tánaiste not to divide the House on this issue. It is absolutely scandalous that it could be suggested that having spent yesterday dealing with four amendments, the remaining 131 could be adequately debated and considered between now and 8 p.m. I ask the Government and the Tánaiste to agree to an open-ended discussion until such time as we complete Report Stage.

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