Brendan Ryan (Labour)

There is no way to avoid tyranny other than by the rule of law and if people believe it is uncomfortable or difficult for them, they should seek to have the law changed. They should not be allowed, under any circumstances, to break the law. I regret that the Minister can yet again go charging into the smoke and, therefore, escape his obligations to deal with the major problems in the health service. However, somebody else created this problem.

Yesterday evening reasonableness and common sense on the part of a member of the Government enabled us to reach a reasonable position on the Dormant Accounts (Amendment) Bill 2004. The Minister for Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs agreed to return to it in the autumn and he assured me he would recommit the legislation so that a sane and sensible Committee Stage can be taken then. Will the Leader confirm this is the case?

This sets a good example, which, perhaps, another Minister could have followed in terms of providing time for a sensible, rational discussion in the autumn, when there will not be a shortage of debating time. I compliment the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. We started in tetchy humour and we shouted a little each other but good sense prevailed.