Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

That is a matter for myself. On the principle of amendments, we must deal with every one on merit and it will ultimately be a question for the Minister of State. In the process over the past several weeks, the Minister has accepted several amendments, one example being the proposal that the 46 or 47 early opening houses throughout the country, which serve a purpose, were to be either closed down or brought back to regular hours. This has been changed and there are a number of instances where the Minister has listened, not alone to lobby groups, but to different views put forward.

We must not lose sight of the fact that a further Bill is being proposed for the autumn, which can deal with many other issues. We voted on this already this morning. Senator Alex White has moved the first amendment and it is not for me to second it. We should debate each amendment on its merit rather than keep going around in circles on whether the issue as a whole will be sorted out today.