Joe O'Toole (Independent)

All sides of the House would welcome a discussion on the risk equalisation proposal because it has been discussed here twice in the last week. Several Members have raised it time and again and it would be helpful to allow people go on the record on this. Many of us do not understand the Tánaiste's reasons for her decision and she has said that we have not fully understood her explanation. There is an issue we could profitably discuss.

I wish to propose a minor amendment to the Order of Business, namely, that No. 14, in my name and the names of Senators Coghlan and Norris, a Bill entitled an Act to amend the Official Languages Act 2003, be introduced as the first item for debate today, with the approval of the House. I have deliberately put it down as a First Stage debate rather than a Second Stage one because it is important that the House be involved as it moves through all Stages. The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs invited Senator Coghlan and I to bring forward a Bill to amend the Official Languages Act.