Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The point I am making is that, as I understand it, the vote will be taken at the end of Second Stage as an amendment to the Government's motion that the Bill be read a Second Time. I want to reiterate the point that, as far as I know, no Member, other than a Government Member – and I do not even know about them – was warned about section 6 and the other matter. There has been no informal consultation of any kind whatsoever with my group. This is an instance where we are being asked to legislate on something without any pre-legislative scrutiny or prior discussion. It has appeared out of nowhere in a Bill that is scheduled to be run through in two days. It is not acceptable to my group or, I believe, the great majority of the people who are not members of Government parties.