Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I am absolutely baffled. The fundamental question is, of what is the Minister of State afraid. From what is he running? Is it, as Senator Norris rightly deduced, that Revenue is cracking the whip? Does the Minister of State fear organisations will be too vocal? A number of bodies were abolished or amalgamated in the budget. The amendments seek the advancement and promotion of human rights, which will benefit the people and the community. If the Minister of State gives us a guarantee, we will reserve our position because we do not want to divide the House. Legislation is about regulation and our role is to improve it. While the Minister of State has a view, we will not be rubber stamps, as Senator Norris said. We have received copious correspondence and e-mails and we have met representatives of the organisations concerned. A vote would be a bad decision. I appeal to the Minister of State to give us space and time, which we will also allow him. We will not press the amendments, but this works both ways. It would be an erroneous move to divide the House.