Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)

It is appropriate because I commend the Ceann Comhairle on seeking an explanatory memorandum. When this matter arose at the Whips meeting last week, a number of us were aware of the major changes being proposed to a Bill to deal with only two subjects - the disgraceful change to the entitlements of one parent families and pensions. The proposed changes are far-ranging and cover 12 areas of social welfare code. The Government Whip acknowledged that and took the opportunity to table a motion. However, rather than a motion to discuss the 12 points, in light of the Minister's concerns about the Bill in respect of one parent families, the entire Bill should have been withdrawn and resubmitted with the changes made under the title of a social welfare miscellaneous provisions Bill. We will have an opportunity to discuss this later. The opportunity is limited to one hour, which means 15 minutes per grouping to deal with 12 areas of the social welfare code. The chosen option should have been to withdraw the Bill or extend the time available.

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