Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

We will try to get the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Parlon, to come to the House to speak on the issue. Senator O'Toole also spoke about the break-up of the State airports. There is a need for clarity on the matter but the Government is right to await the details of the business plan. He also spoke about today's debates. There is a constitutional imperative on every Member of this House to deal with the matters before us. Last night I stated that this House had a good record of not rushing legislation. However, this is a completely different matter. We have to deal with the matter competently and briskly. Senator O'Toole claims we make it up as we go along but there is no template which the House can use to deal with the issue. The Government is taking very clear steps to cover everything. It would be impossible for a Government to say how it will deal with A, B, C etc. and that is how to proceed. By taking these steps, we are closing loopholes which could emerge.