Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Why make reference to the amendments on Report Stage when they are not ready? Why tell us what the Minister will do in the Dáil? He should use the House properly and debate the amendments using the appropriate procedure. I accept he will provide for a six-month lead-in period rather than three months, but the procedure should be to table an amendment to that effect which we cannot accept because it is going to be introduced in the other House. It should be tabled in this House. The Cathaoirleach cannot accept the amendment, unless it is before us. It is extraordinary that the Minister can talk about an amendment to extend the lead-in time to six months, on which I compliment him, without putting it before us. The procedure he is following is unprecedented. He is referring to the tabling of amendments in the other House and we are expected to digest what he said without reference to a script. He cannot do this. He can say he will accept the extension to six months, but that cannot be accepted by the Cathaoirleach. The procedure the Minister has adopted shows contempt for the House, whether he believes this, because he is telling us what he will do in the other House without tabling proper amendments here.