Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Calleary. However, I would prefer to be looking at the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy John Gormley, because it is my belief, having examined the Bill, that it should be dealt with by his Department, not, with all due respect, by the Minister of State's Department. I would like to see the Minister take on this legislation.

I note Senator Ellis's comments about who was at fault on this rushed legislation. I have in my hand a letter from the Galway county manager who states very clearly that she brought this issue to the attention of the Minister of State, Deputy Ciarán Cuffe. It appears she is also of the view that it should be dealt with by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Therefore, I query why the Minister is not in the House today, as I would like to hear his views on the rights and wrongs of the matter. My view is that any legislation which is rushed is very dangerous.

I note Senator Ellis's point on the potential cost to the State. No one in this House wants to see the State incur additional costs, but, at the same time, we have a duty to make sure any legislation enacted is proper and fit for purpose. This legislation was only placed in my hands two hours ago and we have not had an opportunity to take legal advice on the matter. I have no problem with the Galway city outer bypass project in terms of the benefits for the people of Galway and beyond, but this is not about the rights and wrongs of the matter but of the Government's failure to get its act together. As a result, we face serious difficulties with this rushed legislation which should be dealt with by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government rather than the Minister of State's Department. Therefore, we will be opposing the Bill.