David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise a general point and ask the Minister to respond. More than 300 amendments have been tabled. It is indicated that quite a few are intended to reverse amendments made on Committee Stage in this House. Are the majority of these Government amendments on which it has had second thoughts or are they amendments made by the Seanad at the instance of Members of the Seanad? It seems extraordinary that on Report Stage there are 300 amendments and it suggests a certain dithering by Government. I know there have been certain withdrawals from positions that were originally taken by the former Minister, Deputy Alan Shatter. I am curious as to the reason for such an enormous number of amendments, the overwhelming majority from Government and quite a few reversing amendments made recently by the Seanad. Can the Minister give us an elucidation at this point?