Joe O'Toole (Independent)

Does that mean I have 20 minutes from now?

I believe in all sincerity that this is not the way to do business. It gives an extraordinarily negative impression of democracy. It is a steamroller of autocracy running down and through a difficult endeavour. No suggestion was made previously to Senator Norris that he should hold back the legislation. On advice from different quarters, he has delayed bringing forward the legislation on at least three occasions over the past six months. He tried to ensure it would not create difficulty for people and it was worded and presented in a way that was open to anyone with moderate views.

The way the matter has been dealt with is completely undemocratic, unnecessary, undignified and inhumane. It is a shameful way to do business. If the Government had a problem in this regard, there could have been some discussion and a way could have been found to deal with the issues. It would have been easy for the Government to deal with the business tonight, not have a vote on it and let it sit on the Order Paper until it was ready to deal with the matters with which it was concerned. However, it wanted to put on record the rejection of the legislation. This legislation has grown out of a demand from ordinary people because of a suggestion by the courts and out of the practice and progress in other democratic nations throughout the world. We could have dealt with the matter in a better manner, which would have given people confidence. Private Members' Bills, particularly in the Seanad where no support or research structures are in place, should be given a deal of respect.