Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)

As Government Whip, I cannot accept much of what was said about the debate on the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill last week. Any Member who wished to speak on the legislation on Second Stage was allowed to do so, after which we took Committee and Remaining Stages. The Leader twice extended the time for Committee and Remaining Stages and it should be appreciated that she did her utmost to facilitate everyone. I presided as Acting Chairman for part of the debate during which there was an amount of discussion. I compliment the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, and the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, on the detailed explanations they provided for every point that was raised on all Stages. I have yet to see legislation that was not revisited at some stage.

A Motion for Earlier Signature went to the President. I have no doubt that if the President thought the Bill was in any way unconstitutional, she would not have signed it. Members wanted to make points about particular sections but that happens with every Bill. We should not point the finger at the Leader and the Government who did their utmost to afford Members every opportunity to contribute.

I accept the point that perhaps the Dáil should not have adjourned until such time as this House had completed its deliberations on the Bill. As Government Whip, however, I am defending the conduct of last Friday's debate.