David Norris (Independent)

My credentials regarding what occurred yesterday are reasonably beyond question because I took part in the various health debates. I was dining last evening and, by accident, I happened to look at the monitor and saw that we were to be summoned back to the House at 10.55 p.m. I asked various people if they knew the reason for this development but was informed that they had no idea. I am the Whip of the Independent Group but I knew nothing about the change in yesterday's business and could not, therefore, inform other Members about the reason for it.

This is a serious matter and we should consider what occurred. We were informed that the reason for the late sitting was that the Attorney General had indicated that the Bill had to be passed by midnight. It was not so passed and was not signed into law by the President until approximately 8.30 a.m. today. Either the House was misled or the Attorney General gave the wrong advice. We are entitled to know the exact position.

The Leader will recall that I specifically asked her on a number of occasions what the advice provided by the Attorney General was and why, in law, it was required to pass the Bill before midnight. I received no answer but I know the Minister was prepared to remain in the House to allow people to contribute. As matters stand, not even all the spokespersons of the various groups made contributions. However, I pay tribute to the Cathaoirleach on this matter because he ensured that most of the groups had an opportunity to contribute. We are all in his debt for intervening to ensure that even though we got only approximately 50 or 60 seconds, we could at least say something. The Cathaoirleach maintained some shred of the dignity of the House by so doing.