Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

No. At the outset, I seek clarification. It would be remiss of me not to again reflect on the absence of the Minister. Perhaps the Minister is a little confused. I have absolutely no objection to the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, taking this Bill today as both she and her colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Shortall, are highly skilled elected representatives who are very informed on all that is taking place. However, it strikes me - and I do not mean to be humorous - that the Minister, Deputy Reilly, may simply have misunderstood what the Nurses and Midwives Bill was all about. Did he really feel that women in Labour had to take this legislation in its passage through this House? While I am sure he will answer this some day, I have no doubt this is somewhat appropriate.

I seek clarification on the seeking to recommit amendment No. 7. My amendment No. 8 stands within the approved grouping and I presume that if amendment No. 7 is recommitted, Members will deal with that in committee and then it will re-present on Report Stage, where my amendment No. 8 can then be substantively addressed. Alternatively, should I also seek the recommital of amendment No. 8 and the associated amendments the Minister has tabled that are entailed in this particular grouping? I seek clarification of the House in this regard. I am happy to accept the recommital and have clarified to my satisfaction that this is something that can be done. I can put arguments for an improvement in the Minister's position in the course of that recommital and my amendment No. 8 would then stand when Members return to Report Stage. I seek clarification that this is in order and that this is the shared understanding before Members proceed. Does the Minister of State consider this to be in order?

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