Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Whips' meeting took place last Wednesday evening and Fianna Fáil's Whip was in attendance. A number of points were raised at that meeting. First, the Workplace Relations Bill was listed for debate this week. As there had been 238 amendments made to the Bill which was back from the Seanad, it was agreed by all of the Whips that it should be listed to be dealt with all week. As backup to the Bill, the Customs Bill was listed as a secondary element in the week's business. Fianna Fáil's spokesperson was not present this morning. The only person in attendance for the debate which lasted one hour and 15 minutes was Deputy Peader Tóibín of Sinn Féin. What Fianna Fáil proposed last week in respect of the Workplace Relations Bill was agreed to by the Government Whip. It was to have that Bill listed for discussion to deal with the 238 amendments which had been made to it during the course of this week. The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, was present this morning and the discussion lasted for one hour and 15 minutes. Second, the Customs Bill which had been listed as a potential second item at the Whips' meeting last week was taken in just a few minutes. Again, Fianna Fáil's spokespeople were not present.

As far as next week's sitting is concerned, the Whips' meeting last Wednesday dealt with a request from Fianna Fáil that the Dáil sit one day next week on Tuesday. That was consented to by the Government Whip because it is the week of the referendum.

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