Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am really surprised. The debate is to be on the amendments and the legislation. Instead, the Minister of State is getting attacked about what has come through in submissions. We know there have been over 9,000 submissions. There are over 12,000 people working in the sector who Senator Boyhan knows full well are waiting to ensure that they still have employment, that we get this legislation through and that we streamline and speed it up. Instead, we are listening to attacks on when we are going to hear about the actual public submissions which have been put through. The Minister of State will do so when they are available because it takes time to deal with 9,000 submissions in the Department. These submissions are from people finding out what will be their welfare in several months' time if this legislation is not passed. There are 12,000 people employed in the sector. The Senator's comments are out of line. We should be discussing the amendments only.