Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I recognise the strong interest that Deputies Cowen and Heydon have had in this matter. As this Bill was first introduced, some of the ideas first came from Deputy Moran in some meetings that I had with him well over 18 months ago.

I am not planning on changing the legislation to make it in any way retrospective. We brought in interim measures and this is a Bill that many are hoping will pass but regardless of what date it passes on, unfortunately there will be some people who could be affected either side of it.

On what we can do to address the issues that have been raised, I have looked to schedule this Bill at the earliest opportunity and on foot of the exchange that I have had here, I will talk to the Government Chief Whip and see if there will be an opportunity to schedule Committee Stage a few days earlier. If that were to happen, given the consensus there is for the passage of this Bill, that might facilitate a prompt Report Stage a few days after that and then passage of the Bill.

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