Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I indicated earlier that I wished to respond to the Minister's opening remarks. I welcome the Minister of State and assure him that Fine Gael will not be opposing the Bill in principle. Indeed, my party has worked with the Minister of State on this legislation. I pay tribute to the officials in the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs for their courtesy and briefing.

In light of what the Minister of State said in his opening remarks regarding his intention to introduce extensive amendments on Report Stage and that thinking on the Bill is ongoing, will he consider deferring the Report Stage debate until after the Christmas recess?