Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

However, we will be completing it today, as intended. We will allow the time necessary for this. Therefore, I cannot accept the proposal that we remove the Bill from the agenda outlined in today's Order of Business.

Senator O'Neill referred to the Green Party and the position of An Taisce on climate change. He made very strong, cogent points in this regard. The Taoiseach said we are to have more legislation on climate change as a result of the Paris talks and I am sure the Senator will have the opportunity to make his points when it is introduced.

Senator Aideen Hayden welcomed the new bankruptcy legislation, a Private Members' Bill originally introduced by Deputy Willie Penrose. In the five years in which the Government has been in office, the bankruptcy term has decreased from seven years to three years and it is now to be one year. We have made significant progress on this matter, which is to be welcomed. Senator Hayden also called for a debate on the ongoing issue of mortgage arrears. We will try to facilitate that but I cannot see it happening before Christmas.

I note Senator Norris's point on the number of amendments to the Legal Services Regulation Bill. I agree with him in that regard. He proposed that item No. 52, Senator Crown's Bill, be taken before No. 1. The Senator is seeking half an hour before Christmas to the debate the Bill. I will certainly try to facilitate that.

A number of other Bills have but two or three seconds to go on Second Stage. If I could be notified that Senators want to finish them, I will facilitate it. Only two or three seconds will be needed in order to complete the Bills. Let us vote them down or retain them, which is what Senator Crown wants. Let us do the same with all the Bills in this category. I will facilitate the debates in the next couple of weeks if we want to get them off the Order Paper.

Unfortunately, as I said, I cannot accept the amendment to the Order of Business regarding the Legal Services Regulation Bill. I appreciate the difficulties that Members have over the number of amendments involved but I must facilitate the passage of Government legislation in the House.