Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)

In allowing the Bill to remain on the Order Paper for continued discussion with Senators who may not have had an opportunity to speak today, we would provide the space and time to consider these matters, given the EU context and the degree of change that could occur between now and March. The Government will have its Bill and we look forward to support for that Bill in this House and in the Dáil when it is debated. I do not see any difficulty in having a parallel process in which this Bill can be run at the same time. It is a matter for this House to determine its view on Senator Barrett's Bill but that constructive approach is the one to be taken. This is an issue of crucial importance to this country because the way out of this mess is a totally new way of organising public expenditure and public finances. Fundamental to that are clear fiscal rules on how our economy is governed and how a sustainable economic path can be set out to get this country to a better place. I thank the Senator for his valued contribution and his constructive proposals.