Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)

I concur with some of the speakers on many of the issues that have caused concern among those who are less well off, including working class people and the many unemployed.

Will the Leader clarify a matter in respect of how the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill was ordered? What bothers me is that the Bill was parked for nearly three months on Committee Stage. When we dealt with Report and Final Stages two weeks ago, I was astonished that a Minister, despite the delay of several weeks, refused to table any amendments in the Seanad. This is a bad precedent to set. I am in the position I am in and am not seeking to be glorified but this issue has developed a huge head of steam and might bring down the Government, which I certainly would not like to see at this stage. I ask the Leader, through the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, to determine whether this is the way the Seanad is to be treated in the future.

The Minister had ample opportunity to table amendments. He suggested certain amendments in the House and at the same time said that under no circumstances would he accept amendments in the House. We are asked to return the week after next to deal with amendments that may very well be sorted out in the Dáil. This troubles me severely because it puts me in an invidious position.