Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)

I congratulate Senator Cullinane and his wife, Kathleen, on the arrival of their son on Monday. On the Order of Business, I thank the Leader for providing some additional time for the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2011 after Private Members' business, which is somewhat of a concession. However, we will oppose the Order of Business on the basis that the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2011 is to be dealt with in one day. As some of my colleagues mentioned yesterday, the amended Bill was only published and circulated yesterday following changes made in the Dáil. Members on all sides will not know until the Minister comes into the Chamber at 11.45 a.m. to speak to us about his views on the Bill whether they will wish to table amendments. However, we have been told by the Bills Office that the deadline to table amendments is 11 a.m. We cannot accept that, even though we are broadly supportive of the Bill.

This sets a dangerous precedent in regard to most important legislation. For the first time since the foundation of the State, the Minister for Finance's powers will be spilt between two Departments. We deserve time to consider this Bill. As I said, we are broadly supportive of the Bill, as are many Members, but how in God's name can this House, which is supposed to scrutinise legislation, do that scrutiny correctly when Second Stage will finish at 1.30 p.m.? The Minister will probably speak for 20 to 30 minutes from 11.45 a.m., even though the deadline for tabling amendments will have expired. I ask that the deadline for amendments to the Bill be extended to 30 minutes after completion of Second Stage. This is not the way to deal with legislation, as rushed legislation is poor. One can see examples of rushed legislation not having the required effect with all Governments, including the previous one with which I was involved. I ask all Members of the House to consider what is being done; the Bill is being rushed through the Seanad - with scant regard being shown for the Upper House - and it is probably the most important Bill that we will deal with this term. It concerns separation of powers from the Minister for Finance to a new Minister responsible for public expenditure and reform. We will oppose the Order of Business on that basis.

I am sorry to inform the Leader that I cannot guarantee the smooth passage of the Bill through the Seanad because of the way it has been scheduled. When the Order of Business was published last week we were somewhat happier as a day was left between taking Second Stage and Committee and Remaining Stages. That would have given all Members time to consider what is in the Bill and the amendments put down by the Government or the Opposition. There is no time to give proper consideration of the Bill as it stands, although I welcome the addition of an hour and a half to the debate. I appreciate that.

What is the position of parties in tabling amendments? We have been told by the Bills Office that the deadline is 11 a.m. and the Minister will not even have spoken at that stage. It is not the way to do business and if this is the way in which other Bills will be brought to the House and rushed through, there is no point in us even sitting.