Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Is Senator Paul Coghlan finished? It is not sensible to guillotine the Bill. The Leader is proposing to shut down a debate on the Finance Bill. Yesterday, we highlighted that the Bill contains some serious measures. For example, an increase in the pension levy, a reduction in tax relief on health insurance and a massive change in the one-parent tax credit that will affect about 15,000 families.

Effectively, Committee and Remaining Stages, will be bundled together and, if so, we will have to oppose that. It should be open to us on Report Stage of a Bill, such as this, to resubmit recommendations and to have a proper and reasoned debate. I will raise the issue directly with the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan.

Will the Leader confirm whether the Minister, Deputy Noonan, or the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, will take the remainder of the Bill? We had the Minister here yesterday for the Credit Reporting Bill 2012 which was not contentious in any shape or form and was agreed by all parties and the Minister of State came in to take the Finance Bill. I am aware the Minister is busy but I would like to know if the Minister will be here today. We will oppose the Order of Business on the basis that Committee and Remaining Stages are being put through in one sitting.

Has the Leader made any progress with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government in respect of the scheduling of the pyrite Bill? Does he still intend to take all Stages of that Bill on Monday evening? I think it is a Bill on which we can agree. We have done much work on it and I have sought feedback from residents who are affected. I am not trying to be difficult next week. We have not yet seen the Bill but would like to see it. I am sure it is fine but we should be able to debate it properly rather than it being dealt with in an all Stages format. I agree with the Minister, Deputy Phil Hogan, that it is important it is passed before Christmas and we will facilitate that. However, I do not want all Stages taken on Monday.