Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I regret to correct Senator Mansergh a second time this afternoon. The reporting requirement of the Information Commissioner is not only to the Government but also to the Houses of the Oireachtas. That is crucially important to this issue. It is not co-government – that is not what I am suggesting. It is for precisely that reason that we are the ones who are required to take account of his report, whatever we do with it. Accordingly, I believe it is, at the very least, a discourtesy if we cannot deal with it.

I heard what the Cathaoirleach said about my amendments and, while I do not agree, I have to accept his ruling that they cannot be taken this evening. However, is the Chair also saying those amendments cannot be debated tomorrow on Committee Stage? Is he saying that none of my amendments can be taken at any time during Committee Stage of the Bill?