Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not propose to accept Senator Feargal Quinn's motion on the recommittal of the Bill under the Standing Order 127. I have no remit for what has been said or what happened in the other House. What I can say is that we commenced discussion of the Bill on 26 June and this continued over the course of four separate days. Ten hours were allocated for Second Stage and 54 Members availed of the opportunity to speak during that debate. Committee Stage took place over two days last week, with more than 12 hours of debate. I would point out that eight of those hours was spent on a discussion about section 1, which, in my view, was not the best use of the allocated time for that Bill. I am on the record as stating that the timing of a statement by my own party members was less than helpful and was disrespectful when the Bill had not gone through the Houses of the Oireachtas. I stand over that statement, but as the Government representative I have allocated more than sufficient time on Second and Committee Stages. As we are now on Report Stage and will have further time to debate the matter, I do not propose to accept the Senator's proposition.