Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

I acknowledge the engagement today by Senators on all sides of the House and the Minister and his officials. I do not want to finish on a negative note but it is unfortunate that this charge was announced in the budget in October 2008 and as Senators we are grappling with the fact that we are squashing much legislation into the last few days of the session. Very relevant issues of concern are been raised in the Bill and it is unfortunate we find ourselves with the time constraints we have. I know it is up to the Leader to outline when Report Stage will be taken but it would be in the best interests of the Government and the Opposition if we could defer Report Stage until next week.