Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I am pleased the Minister agrees with some of my amendments. However, that he is not prepared to accept them highlights what is going on here. While the Minister may find some amendments worthy, he will not accept any of them, which is out of character for him as on previous occasions he accepted a number of amendments from this side of the House. What we are doing today is a farce as no amendments will be accepted. We are talking in a vacuum. Some Members have refused to take part in the debate today because it is such a farce. It is a sad reflection on the House that it is seen only as a rubber stamp. That is what is happening here today.

I have agreed with the Minister on policy issues on several occasions and we are of one mind in certain areas. Will he accept an amendment today or is there any point in proposing amendments to which he is agreeable but which he will not accept? That is not the democracy for which people have fought and legislated over the years. It is a sad indictment that this farce and lack of consultation is what we face. The Law Society and other bodies have criticised the rushed manner in which the Bill was introduced and the lack of consultation on it.

I admit some improvements were made in the other House and some time was given to debate. While I believe it is out of character for the Minister to deal with the Bill as he is doing here, I regret the House is being treated as it is today.