Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)

The Minister's response to Senator Mullen may indicate the Senator got under the Minister's skin a little. To be fair, people have considered this legislation. I have no doubt that Senator Mullen's amendment tries to safeguard what many of us here are trying to safeguard, namely, to ensure that this legislation is as good as it can be before it goes to the public for a referendum. That said, I remind Senator Mullen that just because my party agrees with the principle of this Bill, this does not mean we cannot put forward robust opposition or ask questions. This is not a question of us wringing hands. In many instances we have no difficulty in putting our cards on the table straight up. If we agree with a Government measure, we will agree openly and will not table amendments for the sake of it. I do not suggest that is what Senator Mullen has done.

I will not say any more on the amendment. I am interested to hear what the Minister has to say before deciding whether to support it. However, I would like the opportunity to comment further when dealing with the Schedule.