Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will be brief.

I congratulate Deputy Finian McGrath on introducing the Bill. When I heard that it had been accepted by the Government, my understanding was that its provisions would be implemented at an early date. I was disappointed, therefore, when the Minister of State said, "I wish to make clear that the Government does not intend to oppose the Bill." That does not mean that he is accepting all of the clauses and provisions contained in the legislation. What we are witnessing is a subtle political ploy. The Government is going to refer the Bill to the relevant Oireachtas committee and let it take its place in the mix of the committee's work, which is a great pity. What is being done is misleading and I presume the aim behind it is to satisfy vested interests. It is also designed to satisfy the lobby group, the members of which are in the Visitors Gallery, but it is not a promise that the hours they so badly need will be allocated. Apparently, the allocation of the necessary hours would give rise to a cost of €1 million. That is equivalent, perhaps, to the cost of three senior officials of the National Treasury Management Agency.

I do not understand why the Minister of State could not have accepted the Bill and stated it will be implemented tomorrow.

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