Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

The Minister for Finance said the intention of the Government was to oppose this item of business when it was discussed last night, and it went through inadvertently. In seeking to correct it, it is vital that we do not create a precedent which undermines the rights of the House. While the Government is trying to mend its hand, which I understand, it seeks to do it in a way which undermines the rights of this House. When a decision is made in this House, for whatever reason, the Government cannot, by sleight of hand, come in and pretend the decision was never made. Such an act would undermine the rights of this House. It is a dangerous precedent which we should not establish. I understand the Whips considered other options which would have dealt with the problem, from the Government's point of view. For example, a brief Bill could have dealt with the element which the Government wished to remove or it could have gone to the Seanad to make arrangements.

The Ceann Comhairle and Members, irrespective of whether they operate under the Whips to support the Government, need to make sure we protect the rights of this House. We have already seen the most senior independent public servant, namely, the Ombudsman, draw to our attention the failure of this House to properly hold the Government to account and conduct its business. It would be extremely ironic, the day after the Ombudsman was so critical of this House, that we would see a further erosion of the manner in which we do our business, diluting again the accountability of Government for decisions and the influence of those who are elected to the House.

We should revert to one of the Government's original proposals to deal with this matter. I cannot see why it would withdraw the amendment because it is a fairly innocent amendment which can do no harm and may do some good. If it is determined to withdraw it, something which it is entitled to do if it can command a majority, it should do so in accordance with the procedure of the House and not try to establish a new way of doing things. God knows who will occupy the Chair in years to come. This precedent may be used in order to allow the rights of Deputies to be trampled upon.

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