Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

The Leader of the Opposition and quite a number of other Members have mentioned the Constituency Commission report. As it only has been published within the past half an hour, I do not propose to go to into any of the changes contained therein. However, I am sure Members will have an opportunity to discuss it at a later stage.

As for Bille na Gaeltachta, at a meeting of leaders approximately a fortnight ago, I indicated this Bill would come before the House at this time. Last week, I again announced in the House during the Order of Business that Bille na Gaeltachta would be coming into the House. Consequently, there has been ample opportunity for Members opposite to take into consideration representations from any organisations to enable the framing of amendments. I have no intention of stifling debate on this Bill. As is evident from today's Order of Business, the Bill has been ordered and Members can speak on it for as long as they wish. I have not specified a concluding time and this Second Stage debate can finish whenever Members stop speaking on it. There is ample opportunity to have a debate on this issue. Moreover, there has been ample opportunity to table amendments for Committee Stage and there still is an opportunity to so do. If necessary, Members can have two sessions next week on Committee Stage and the Report Stage of the Bill probably will be taken the week after. Consequently, there has been and will be, ample opportunity to table amendments.