Feargal Quinn (Independent)

The Minister of State listened with attention to our contributions and indicated that he would consider the points we made. He mentioned the Lower House on half a dozen occasions during the debate. If his intention is not to accept any amendments on Report Stage tomorrow, it would be much better to wait until he has considered the contributions made in the House during the Second Stage and Committee Stage debates, both of which were excellent. He listened carefully and responded to our amendments. It is my intention to table amendments and to give the Minister of State an opportunity to consider them. It is unlikely that he will have time, given the late hour, to consider them in sufficient detail to be in a position to respond to them by tomorrow. A number of other Senators will do the same.

I urge the House to reconsider the proposal to take Report Stage tomorrow. Perhaps this can be decided on the Order of Business. As the House will sit for at least another month, the Minister of State will have ample time to consider the matter and return to the House before the recess. He will not have to wait until September or October.