Katherine Zappone (Independent)

Senators van Turnhout, Barrett and I could not discuss our amendments as well as another Fianna Fáil amendment because Committee Stage was cut short. I believe in the critical role of the Seanad, especially its role in scrutinising legislation and the additional scrutiny we can provide and, because of this, I prepared carefully for this amendment, which was the first I had tabled in the House, with legal research and opinion to support it and with the intention of raising two additional matters on Committee Stage that could have been the subject of amendments on Report Stage. Senator Barrett had also prepared carefully. We have managed to table our amendments on Thursday but without the benefit of an exchange with the Minister. I understand that we can only speak once on Report Stage under Standing Orders and, therefore, I am taken aback.

While I appreciate we must have rules and procedures and that it may be necessary to rush legislation at times, I do not understand the reason for the rush with this legislation. Was it necessary in light of my commitment as a Senator and law maker to carefully scrutinise legislation?