Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

I refer to a number of Acts that were passed in this House in July. They were rushed through by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. One was the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, which dealt with firearms, the European arrest warrant and the Schengen information system. Another was the Defamation Act, containing the infamous blasphemy provisions. As Bills these were rushed through, particularly the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, on the basis that they were needed as a matter of urgency. These and other Bills that were passed in July have not yet been published. Ignorance of the law is no excuse but access to the law is imperative if people are to be charged under such Acts. I question whether this Government can get anything right. It rushes legislation through yet it does not follow the procedure and publish the Acts so that people can access the legislation.

I ask the Minister to explain the rather simple task of publishing the legislation and explain the extraordinary situation in Limerick prison where a prisoner can have bags of heroin. Given the urgency of these questions, the Minister should come into this House and do so.

Regarding yesterday's debate in the House, I agree with those who believe the shouting and roaring was unseemly. I hope nothing I said provoked unruly behaviour. I wish to clarify one point because Senator Alex White said I misspoke when I referred to "The Late Late Show". When the Leader, Senator Donie Cassidy, defended the House on that show, Senator White stated "Unlike Donie, I think there is a question mark over the relevance of the Senate". It was in that context that I spoke yesterday. I hope that clarifies the position.