Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak in this debate. However, I believe this Bill, in terms of the time provided for Members of the House to consider its contents, is not being handled in an appropriate manner. It is a substantial Bill, which comprises 106 pages. The Bill was published last Thursday and has hugely far-reaching implications for many families across the country. I believe that the manner in which this debate is being handled is not acceptable or appropriate given the seriousness and import of this legislation. What is generally regarded as best practice in terms of Dáil scrutiny of legislation is that following publication of a Bill a minimum of two weeks is allowed for Members to read it, take advice on it and cross reference its provisions with other legislation for which it has implications, which is the case in this regard in that the Bill references and amends umpteen other pieces of legislation. Members should have been given a minimum of two weeks to consider this complicated legislation. It is not acceptable that it is being rushed through the Houses.

The original timescale, as set out by the Minister's predecessor, was that this legislation would be published in the autumn of last year, that adequate time would be allowed for consideration of it and that it would be passed by the end of last year. For some reason, there have been delays. I am concerned that at this point there is an unspoken view that we need to get this Bill enacted prior to the debate on the same-sex marriage referendum. While I am supportive of the same-sex marriage proposal I believe these are two separate issues that need separate consideration. My concern is that in seeking to avoid the two issues running together adequate time for debate on this legislation will not be provided and its implications will not be adequately considered by Members of this House and by Members of the Seanad.

That is regrettable.

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