David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I do not know whether he is masquerading or not. Amendment No. 3 deals with the definition of those bodies that are involved, namely, Departments of State, local authorities, the Health Service Executive, universities and so on and so forth. Again, that is a useful list but it is not exhaustive. This is the problem we always deal with when we have these kind of amendments which tabulate bodies and exceptions and so on and so forth. We are always told by the Government that it is not exhaustive. One could just stick in at the end "and any other bodies so regarded".

I will support the amendments. It would be better if the House did not divide. Perhaps the Minister of State could give us a timetable, for example, how long the period of consultation will take. We are so used in the Houses of the Oireachtas to Ministers saying let us have discussion and reach a consensus, which means things get put on the long finger. I would certainly support the Minister of State if we have a definite term, if he could say it will take two weeks or three weeks or whatever it is. In the meantime, why does the Minister of State not introduce his amendments? It looks as if the debate will end in a vote so there may not be consensus but he should introduce the amendments and see where they go. People like me who are independent will take a view on it and if the amendments are reasonable we will vote for them.