Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)

An hour remained for Second Stage when we voted. I initiated this Bill in the Seanad so that this House would have time to table amendments. All Stages were taken in the Seanad on 15 September. If Deputy Doherty or anyone else wanted to table Committee Stage amendments, there were 13 days in which to consider them. That there is not a single amendment from anyone on today's Order Paper is not because Members had inadequate time. Rather, it is because they did not table amendments. Deputy Doherty had a fortnight.

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