John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Deputy Howlin. The amendments that come before the House deserve to be analysed and the Minister should be probed on all the issues that arise from them. We have not been able to do that in the case of many Bills. The point made by the Deputy is correct. If we cannot do it, then who will after it passes through the Houses? The President has already complained about the number of Bills that arrive with him. He does not have time for them. We are elected to legislate. Passing legislation that we do not scrutinise properly is a reflection on us. There is then pressure on the President to do likewise. I appeal to whoever is making the decisions to give time for appropriate analysis of, and debate on, these Bills. It is essential to have good law. There is no point in passing a law that will be bad or poorly interpreted or, perhaps, used for an unintended purpose. I agree with Deputy Howlin.

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