Joe O'Toole (Independent)

With regret, there is no way I can accept that this is an appropriate way to do business. We have a good record of being able to do business across the House, recognising when difficulties arise and we have to be supportive in getting legalisation through. Many colleagues on the other side of the House share my views. I understand the difficult position they are in and I do not seek to embarrass them in any way. However, I hope that, at the very least, they will raise this matter with their parliamentary parties. This makes a total sham of what we are about.

Earlier this week, the Leader of the House explained to us that there was pressure on the Government to get this legislation through by the weekend. She said that it would go before the Dáil yesterday and that we should change our arrangements to make ourselves available to take the legislation on Friday. We agreed to this with great reluctance, recognising that the Government is in an embarrassing situation due to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform mucking up again by giving us legislation that does not work and that we must correct.

However, it is no longer necessary to have the legislation passed before the weekend and it will not come before the Dáil until next Wednesday. It is not even a case of next Wednesday morning; it will be 4 o'clock at the earliest by the time questions to the Taoiseach and the other usual business is concluded. This would allow us Tuesday and Wednesday morning, should we require it, to examine the legislation. I do not object to the conclusion of Second Stage today. This would allow it to sink in at the weekend, but that is not being allowed. I ask the Cathaoirleach to take this point on board. I do not expect him to respond publicly.

The Leader agreed yesterday that it would be adequate to consider the legislation as far as Second Stage. She also said that she had spoken to the Minister who had no difficulty with us taking Second Stage, but that the officials in his Department had a different point of view. If the Cathaoirleach were in my position he would not accept that departmental officials are, apparently, calling the shots. I am not making this up or exposing people, it is what has been reported to the House. We were misled in being told the legislation had to be passed by the weekend. It was incorrect.

It is clear that we are no longer organising our own business. We accept that it is appropriate for the Leader to consult with the Government but Members are not being listened to. As it is, I am totally opposed to the proposed Order of Business, but I am happy to deal with Second Stage of the Bill. Due to the rush there has not been an opportunity to consult among ourselves on this side of the House, but I believe this view is shared by everybody.