Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

There are 139 amendments to this very short Bill. Obviously, there must be some form of grouping. I have no doubt the House is liberal enough to accommodate people with difficulties relating to the exact sequencing of amendments. There is always some latitude on groupings. While I am not a Member of the House with power to order business, I will certainly not be squeamish or rigid on groupings.

I am very grateful to the officials of the House for the work they have put into grouping the 139 amendments. The groupings they have worked out will serve to put some degree of order on the proceedings. Government amendments which are forthcoming will not go without debate and will not be rushed through in a way which is in any way undemocratic, ill-considered or under-considered. There is a sufficient number of amendments before the House for us to make significant progress and I believe the House will not be inhibited in any way by amendments the Government tables at a later stage.