Joe McHugh (Fine Gael)

The Minister of State may be commended among his electoral base in Kildare for being the man to put legislation through in a fast and effective way, but yesterday and today are sad days for democracy. One cannot put such sensitive legislation, which will affect the daily lives of a vulnerable group of people, through both Houses with such speed.

The irony of today is that the Minister, Deputy McDowell, is on record only half an hour ago for commending the workings of this House and the reasoning and importance of "informed debate". However, we have not had time for an informed debate on this legislation.