John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

Irrespective of one's political perspective, there is no debate about that. The matter of the pupil-teacher ratio, as raised by Senator Browne, for example, can be dealt with within the scope of that debate.

Senators Brian Hayes and Coghlan raised the matter of arrangements for the Criminal Justice Bill. As I understand it, the Bill will not come to the Seanad until after Easter. It will stay in the Dáil until we rise and will be taken during the week we resume after Easter. It is important — I am sure the Minister will agree — that there would be adequate time between Second Stage and Committee Stage. The Minister is on record as stating he is amenable to amendments in the Seanad and that he will bring back the Bill to the Dáil, so obviously it will not be rammed through, if I can use that phrase.