Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)

This is a very important Bill, providing for the division of the Department of Finance for the first time since the First Dáil in 1919. My colleagues and I agree with most of the Bill's provisions. However, we completely disagree with the manner in which the Bill is being brought before the Seanad. Prior to any debate on the legislation in this House, the Dáil Order Paper already indicates that amendments from the Seanad will be discussed in that House tomorrow. We intend to oppose each section of the Bill in protest at the manner in which this House is being treated, including changes in the scheduling of business which preclude ample time for debate. I appreciate that the Leader has allocated an additional 90 minutes this evening which we intend to use, but the time allotted remains insufficient. I oppose the section on that basis.