Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Basically it is question of ensuring that there are not unintended effects and that one brings forward a proposal that is appropriate and meets the requirements of the situation. The merits of the proposal cannot be discussed in the House until we have a structured debate on it and party spokespersons who have studied the matter in great detail can discuss it some time. Whether it is introduced as a Bill or as part of another element of the legislative process is a matter for decision. However, we, for the reasons outlined verbally by the Minister of State to Opposition spokespersons, have indicated what we believe to be the best way forward in all circumstances, taking into account all the work that has been done but recognising that the Government has to examine any proposals from the Oireachtas committee. As laudable as that work has been, the unintended effects or impacts it may have on certain areas have to be taken into account, explained and the Government must come back with a proposal and outline the rationale behind it. Members of the committee have been grappling with this complex issue, which needed careful and due consideration, for some time. The body of work is meritorious in itself.

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