Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I support what has been said by my colleagues. I, too, respect the Leader on this matter. He has come here on instructions, but sadly he has come here without reasoning, as Senator Ross has explained. All of us, as practical parliamentarians, know the position, given that the other House is still dealing with amendment No. 1 of section 1 of the Bill, to which the Minister for Finance has not yet responded, and given that debate on the Bill is to resume at 8.30 p.m. The Minister for Finance is taking advice on the potential challenge from the banks that it is proposed, as of now, to exclude and, presumably, they may have to be included. I have no doubt the Government will also have its own amendments in mind, which are being considered by officials and its Members, as we speak, and as, I suspect, the Leader knows.

I, therefore, respectfully ask the Leader, if he can, to take some further immediate instruction. What is proposed does not make sense because, as Senator Cummins pointed out, the guarantee is in place. The public, the banks and everyone knows that both Houses are dealing with the matter as expeditiously as possible, giving it all due care and attention. Many amendments will be also tabled by Members in this House. Therefore, deferring consideration of it until 8.30 a.m. or 9.30 a.m. tomorrow, with all due respect, would not make any difference to the outside world who know of our overall intentions. The Government has given a clear lead on the matter, and we have responded wisely. I ask the Leader, with respect, that rather than divide the House — if he requires a sos for a few minutes, I am sure he would have the Cathaoirleach's indulgence — to defer the taking of this Bill until tomorrow morning and we will all be back here with fresh minds to deal with it more expeditiously.