Brendan Daly (Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Leyden for affording me the opportunity to make a brief contribution. I do not wish unduly to delay the legislation, which meets some of the criticism levelled at the Houses in recent years that we have been behind time and out of step with what is taking place in Europe. The debates here have mainly followed matters decided two to five years previously by the Commission and the Council of Ministers.

I have some anxieties which perhaps the Minister of State can take on board. A half yearly report from each Department will amount to 28 reports annually and could lead to unnecessary overlapping and duplication and confusion. That is not necessary. Instead we need to simplify matters rather than confuse them. In regard to legislation there will be an overall report at the end of the year from Government. Let us not throw out the baby with the bath water. In an effort to deal with the criticisms of not keeping pace with the legislation, matters could be more confused by 28 reports and an overall report and at end of the day little discussion.