Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Having listened carefully to the Acting Chairman's ruling, I do not wish to stray into Second Stage debate. Given the opportunity, however, I would be delighted to debate the issue and respond to a number of the questions asked by Senators. When I used the word "confusion", I was referring to the difficulties that might arise from having the Local Government (No. 2) Bill 2003 become the Local Government Act 2003 and the Bill before us become the Local Government (No. 2) Act 2003. I did not mean that there is any confusion about the contents of the Bill with which we are dealing.

The Bill abolishing the dual mandate, which was originally the Local Government Bill 2003, was published prior to the Local Government (No. 2) Bill 2003, which deals with bridge orders. As already stated, the latter was passed prior to the Bill before the House. Through this simple amendment, the Bill before us, when passed, will become the Local Government (No. 2) Act 2003, while the legislation dealing with bridge orders is entitled the Local Government Act 2003.

I was asked when certain facilities will be made available to Members of the Oireachtas. This will occur around the time the Minister signs the regulations, which will possibly be in the third quarter. The information made available to councillors will be made available to Oireachtas Members at the same time. The Minister gave that important assurance. I served in local government for many years. A lot of our work as Oireachtas Members involves local authorities. It is important, therefore, that information is made available to us. Members can be assured that the Minister intends to ensure this.

The amendment dealing with section 8(2) is consequential on the original amendment and one on which there is no need to go into detail. I am committed to the Bill. What is important is that Members, who represent the people and electoral areas at all levels, receive the information relevant to them to ensure that, as Members of the Oireachtas, they can provide a service for constituents. The Minister was always committed to this and never needed convincing on the matter.