Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The reason I have made these points is that this is significant. The amendments being introduced by the Minister required a motion so Members could speak on them. It is a very significant set of amendments that changes the name of the Bill and requires a motion. It does not happen every day. If it is possible for the Minister to take this approach, I would like him and the Government do the same with other matters that are important. That is my core point, and I do not wish to get into a dispute with you, a Cheann Comhairle, on that.

In conclusion, the issue the Minister has brought forward is one that I accept must be addressed by the Government. That is fair enough. My only objection is the process the Minister has chosen. If he is saying this is a necessary intervention he must make, and he did raise it on Second and Committee Stages, I ask him to also consider that approach and to accept representations from the Opposition for other matters of importance that require us to meet our international obligations. We have a difficulty with the approach the Minister has taken on this but if he says it is necessary, we would like the same approach to be taken on other issues too.

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