Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

I have had the same experience as Senator Ryan in this regard in the case of the Harbours (Amendment) Act and the Dublin Transport Authority enabling legislation last year. I acknowledge again that I have always found a constructive approach on amendments is reciprocated by the Minister. It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the work done by Senator Brendan Ryan with regard to the amendments he proposed that were accepted and how they improved the legislation.

However, I must point out that the manner in which this legislation has been brought for discussion now is unacceptable. The legislation was due to be discussed later this evening. When I arrived into the House and asked for a copy of the amendments that had been made, they were not available. If it was not for the courtesy and co-operation of the officials in informing what was going on, I would have arrived into the Chamber to discuss amendments I had not even seen. This is unacceptable. It is not acceptable to change the Order of Business without the consent of the full House.

We are moving into a week packed with legislation such as this, and to find the order of important legislation being changed without the wholehearted consent of the House is hugely disappointing. I want to set down a marker for Fine Gael that this is something we will not accept.