Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I assure the Senator that this is not a matter of stalling the issue. We all want to see these matters progress as quickly as possible. It is not correct for Senator Ryan to say in a pejorative way that this is a reasonable time according to the Government. What is being proposed is a very realistic timetable which is based on a great deal of consultation. Obviously the interest groups were very involved in the legislation and this was looked on as a reasonable time in which to get this work done for a child. The council is in a position to implement all phases in a shorter timeframe if it finds a particular case which can be expedited in that way.

The concerns raised here about time do not have a sure footing because we are talking here about the realistic position, therefore I cannot accept the amendment.