David Norris (Independent)

I strongly support these amendments. It is interesting they were grouped together. This is the only time I can remember in 23 years in the House an entire amendment section taken together but they are related. I regret I was unable to contribute to the previous debate but I had to attend the Sub-committee on Human Rights. A distinguished Afghan woman, Dr. Sobhrang, who will receive an award from Front Line tomorrow, was before the committee and had I not stayed, it would not have been quorate. I got into the Chamber just as the Minister of State started to speak and I regret that. I realise I cannot make a Second Stage speech now but I would like to comment on the amendments.

Since we are taking all Stages today and it is certain that, within the hour, this Bill will be passed, it seems to me to be bad parliamentary practice to take the entire Bill in this way without giving Members an opportunity for real consideration of amendments, for example, on Report Stage. We have had indications that the Government will examine these amendments but I have heard the response in this House many times previously that we cannot deal with amendments at this stage for X, Y or Z reason but Members will have an opportunity at another time. Very often that does not happen and, as Senator Alex White said, this is a specific matter relating to the Greek loan. It is important that these considerations be examined.

For example, the situation is very fluid. Matters change by the day, in fact, by the hour in terms of the response of the market to these issues. Initially, there was a very positive response. That has been rolled back to a certain extent. With regard to the huge principal loan, the €700 million loan——