Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

The Leader of Opposition, Senator Brian Hayes, said with regard to the Intoxicating Liquor Bill that too short a period has been given to engage in a full examination of its intricacies. I will come back to that later. Senators are entitled to the very best of service and information from all sides. I would add, though not by way of self-justification, that we did circulate, not an early draft but sketches of what the Bill was about, to party leaders and spokespersons some day last week – Thursday, I think. Thus, the Bill was not a bolt from the blue, so to speak. I have just checked and I understand the leaders and spokespersons on justice of each party received some material through my office.

My colleague, Senator Dardis, has noted that on 11 June, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform discussed the general scheme of the Bill with the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights. The content of the Bill has been adapted – particularly sections 17 and 21(1)(b) – to take account of a number of concerns raised by members of the joint committee. I point that out not in self-justification but simply to indicate that the Bill is not quite a bolt from the blue. I am not sure which Members of this House sit on the joint committee but I am sure some do.

I will inquire if it is possible to take Committee Stage on Friday or next Monday, but I will have to come back to the House on the matter after I have made those inquiries. I accept that to take Committee Stage the day after the Second Stage debate is a very rapid progression, to put it mildly, so I will see if it would suit the Minister to take Committee Stage on Friday or Monday of next week.

Senators asked that the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, should come to the House to discuss the health strategy. The Minister fully intends to come to this House before we dissolve—