Alex White (Labour)

It is sometimes gratifying to have one's professional background acknowledged by a Minister. However, I am not here in that capacity but as a Member of the Seanad, as is Senator Regan. The fact that we are lawyers has nothing to do with it. This matter is before the Seanad and all the Minister of State can say is "No". He says he has advice which tells him not to proceed with it. He is saying, essentially, that either he does not have the detail of that advice or he does not understand it, and in those circumstances, he is not accepting the amendment. Senator Regan is right. There is a clear intention on the part of the Minister of State not to accept any amendments. This points to the bad faith of the Government in its approach to the House with regard to this Bill. I do not want to direct this personally at the Minister of State but I must use those words.