Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

We are providing for the debate on Second Stage to end today in order that Deputies will have the opportunity to prepare amendments for Committee Stage, on which they may make the case for whatever changes they wish to make to the legislation. If necessary, they may do so again on Report Stage. Today's debate on Second Stage is on the general principles of the Bill. It is proposed that, following the conclusion of Private Members' business, the rest of the day will be devoted to the legislation, up to 6.30 p.m. We have moved Question Time, including priority questions, beyond 6.30 p.m. in order that there will be a clear run at the legislation and a full debate on Second Stage. Deputies will have plenty of time to debate the matter up to 29 June, the last working day before the ESM is due to take effect. There will be full Committee Stage and Report Stage debates. We are only taking Second Stage today in order that Deputies will have time and the opportunity to table amendments, attend the committee and make their case for whatever changes they desire. We will see what they do on Committee Stage.

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