Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am also concerned and I support Deputy Boyd Barrett on both issues, the first of which was NPHET not appearing before the committee. Three weeks ago yesterday, we had a briefing for group and party leaders. Last week, the Taoiseach promised that there would be another shortly. When will we have that briefing?

We are the Rural Independent Group, but because of the Government's manipulation, we will not get to speak tonight on the first round of the Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill. That Bill is badly needed because untold damage is being done in rural Ireland and, indeed, urban Ireland in terms of the lack of timber for roofing in houses. The Government continues with this charade every week. Last week, I was sitting in the Chair when several Government backbenchers did not turn up. The debate could not be followed. It is not fair to the other groups if they do not know when they will be on because the people listed before them do not turn up. Bills will collapse. We will not let them if we can help it, but it will happen. Even to the best of our ability, we cannot monitor these debates. This situation is wrong.

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