Derek McDowell (Labour)

I join other Senators in commending the common sense of the Leader in postponing Report Stage of the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill until next week. Her common sense shines out in the face of the determination of others to push the Bill through with unseemly haste. Given that she has taken such an approach, may I suggest she give consideration to using the procedure under Standing Orders to recommit discussion next week into committee? There are a substantial number of amendments which were never reached on Committee Stage yesterday and many new proposals to be tabled on Report Stage. If she were to use that procedure, we, in the Labour Party, would be happy to use the extra latitude given to us in a responsible and sensible way.

I understand the Taoiseach told the Lower House yesterday he would be willing to reconvene the Dáil in the event that matters in Iraq take a particular turn next week. If matters go as seems likely, I suggest that the Leader also consider facilitating a debate on Iraq in this House next week.