Joe O'Toole (Independent)

What has happened here today is wrong. It is a shameful day and it does not become us as parliamentarians and public representatives to bury work in this way and to give such a negative message to many people who were hanging on this legislation. It would be quite in order for the Government to say it listened to what has been said and it is not prepared to take the matter further at this time. It could have said that there would not be a vote on it this evening or it could have given a commitment that Committee Stage would not be taken until the three issues were dealt with. It is sufficiently clever to table an amendment which gives the reasons for the Government's decision. However, it is unusual in terms of Order of Business statements that the reasons for the rejection should be included with such clarity.

I do not have a problem with what the Government is trying to do, which appears positive. However, it should not undermine the endeavours of a parliamentarian who has put two years' work into drawing up the legislation. Has any value been put on his efforts in dealing with the issue? Senator Norris has gone to the highest court in Europe on a related matter. He has given much of his life to these issues and he has tried to do so in a moderate way which will not give offence. He has found acceptability among the general public on many of the issues he has raised. He has raised issues in a way that is admirable. I resent the way in which he has been treated today and I will vote against the Order of Business. I ask the Leader to reconsider the position.