Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy asked for an impact report before we come back on mandatory hotel quarantine and I committed to doing that and discussing it at whatever length the Dáil and Seanad wanted. There was a serious and substantive request for a change to a Bill in July, which was to add one sunset clause. It was a request from Deputies Shortall and Cullinane and others in this House. It was a matter of substance such that I had to go back to Government and get an updated Government decision on it and then we came back. That is one of the reasons we are here. There was a major request for a change to a Bill. I listened carefully. I went back to Government. I got a different Government decision and I came back and we amended it.

In my ten years in opposition, I do not remember any of us in opposition succeeding in having major changes such as those made. I know it can be frustrating, but genuine efforts and substantive changes are being made to Bills through the process. This Bill has been crafted cognisant of that ask from the Opposition the last time. Only one roll over is allowed in this Bill, because of what the Opposition asked for the last time we were here on it.

The Deputy has quite rightly asked for more briefings. There was a briefing the week before last and I am organising one for this week as well, especially in the context of Omicron and everything we are learning about it. I refute the claim. It is not fair to say I am not listening or genuinely trying to engage with the Oireachtas and Opposition. I really am and they are examples of changes.

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