Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein)

Even though the measures were announced in the budget, there has been a great deal of toing and froing as well as much press spin on, for example, the provision of child care for lone parents, which was not announced on budget day. The Dáil made many amendments to the Bill. To say these provisions were announced on budget day and that we knew what was coming is not adequate. We should have been given more time to take yesterday's Dáil amendments on board. The Bills Office has told us that it was under pressure last night to try to have the Bill ready for 9.15 a.m. However, I am willing to accede to the Minister's decision, given her explanation for not wanting to accept my amendment. We will raise further points subsequently.