Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

I second Senator Ryan's amendment to the Order of Business. I agree with Senator Dardis that Committee Stage should not be taken immediately after Second Stage. Our agreement to take Committee Stage today reflects our reasonableness with regard to business generally. It would be much more desirable to take Second Stage this week and Committee Stage next week in order that the points raised on Second Stage could be considered by the Minister and his officials and reflected in the Bill when we take Committee Stage. The attempt to take Committee and Report Stages today means that it will not be feasible for the Minister to accept amendments tabled by Senators from this side of the House, even if he were inclined to do so. Effectively, therefore, we will have a wasted debate which is not good practice. Given the views expressed by many Senators on rushing legislation, it would be useful to put the brakes on this Bill.