Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

I will not repeat the argument advanced by my colleague, Deputy Burton. We are in exceptional times and this is an exceptional measure. These are more exceptional circumstances than any of us has ever lived through.

The amendment does not seek that an audit be undertaken. It relates to straightforward reporting. The 30-day period has been already agreed for the reasons outlined. The obstacles cited by the Green Party do not exist.

The Green Party said it agrees with the sentiment of the proposal but that it is too onerous, which it is not. There is a touch of St. Augustine about Deputy Gogarty, "Make me holy, but not yet", "Give me regulation and transparency but not too much of it now." Yesterday he embraced an Opposition motion and said it was just what the doctor ordered from the Green Party point of view and that he would be embracing it unless the Minister talked him out of it.

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