Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

I endorse the welcome given to the Saville report. The events of Bloody Sunday were most unfortunate. There is no doubt that they were a catalyst in the elevation of the then civil protest to an all-out war. Many lives could have been saved during the years had the matter been dealt with appropriately in the early stages. When the then Taoiseach, Mr. Jack Lynch, spoke out on the issue, he was ignored internationally.

I am concerned about the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill 2009 which is to be taken in the House today. I ask the Leader for clarification thereon. It was introduced to the House approximately three months ago and dealt with over two or three weeks. It has not been dealt with for about two months and I am concerned that it is being rushed through the House today on the basis that amendments will be made in the Dáil. That is the understanding I am being given. If so, it demeans the constitutional status of this House. It demeans it if we are being asked to vote down amendments tabled by Fine Gael today only to find out next week or the week after that they will be accepted in the Dáil and that the Bill will be brought back to this House in three or four weeks in order that we can rubber-stamp it. Senator Coffey has put a lot of work into the Bill.