Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

The clear impression was given last night that all Stages of the emergency legislation before the House had to be passed by 12 midnight. It subsequently transpired that was not the case and that more time could have been given because the President only had to sign the legislation before 9 a.m. this morning, not 12 midnight. I wish to register my protest and that of my colleagues at the way the Government dealt with this issue. A total of nine minutes was given to Members of Seanad Éireann to debate that emergency legislation, but we could have had more time. It is very important that in the course of questions and answers during the limited time, Senator Bradford elicited crucial information from the Minister.