Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join Deputies in congratulating the Ombudsman, Ms Emily O'Reilly, on her achievement, which shows the quality of her work. I am sure she will bring the same diligence and quality of work to the new responsibilities she is assuming.

In respect of the proposal, as Deputies will be aware, we had a long Second Stage debate and open-ended Committee Stage debate on the Houses of the Oireachtas (Inquiries, Privileges and Procedures) Bill 2013. We are now moving to Report Stage where the net points of the committee's deliberations will be debated in the Chamber. It is conventional to have a short debate on Report Stage. The two hours provided for the debate will be sufficient to allow Deputies to address the relevant issues. This legislation is urgent. Everyone recognises that the Oireachtas requires powers of inquiry to enable it to hold inquiries into issues such as banking. This is the reason for the genuine concern on the part of the Government to have the legislation passed before the summer recess.

The other Bills before the Houses for the final Stages of consideration are also subject to time constraints arising from finance commitments in respect of membership of the European Union and so forth.

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