Brendan Ryan (Labour)

I support my colleagues in their measured objections to the principle of a Bill being published between 9 a.m and 9.30 a.m. this morning when it appeared in our post. It is stated on page 3 that the Bill contains references to around 14 other pieces of legislation. No amount of preliminary leaks, warnings or drafts could prepare an Opposition spokesperson without the availability of a Bill. It is profoundly wrong. I recall the last time the Leader was under pressure from the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to have the Immigration Bill through this House in a hurry. It is funny because that Bill is still on the Dáil Order Paper, despite our having been told at one stage that it was so urgent it had to pass through both Houses in a week. The truth is that there would be no rush about this Bill if the Houses were not adjourning so early. Presumably, this is because the Taoiseach is fed up of losing the debate to the Leaders of the Opposition two mornings a week and wants to hide from his responsibilities.