Lynn Boylan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will follow on from Senator Boyhan's comments on the importance of trust and communication. I know it is the Minister of State's first time debating this legislation in this House. When it comes to trust and communication, however, the deadline for Report Stage amendments was today at 11.30 a.m. That is the indication the Department is giving in respect of listening to the Members of this House and what will be accepted and not accepted tonight. That does not build trust and is not very respectful of this House, but it is not the first time we have seen that happen. That is not the Minister of State's fault; it is just the experience of the Opposition under this Government.

Senator Boyhan talks about getting a look at the draft regulations. That would be easier. Yes, they are in draft form and are evolving. Given, however, that it is very unlikely the Minister of State will accept amendments because, as I said, the deadline for Report Stage amendments was 11.30 a.m. this morning, I think he can share the draft regulations with us. It is unlikely the legislation will change and, therefore, it is unlikely the regulations will change very much. It seems that people are set in their minds as to how this is going to go.

If the Minister of State were to share the draft regulations, I think it would go a long way towards building trust across the House and everybody who has concerns for the workers and concerns about the precedent of ensuring that a just transition is not just a sound bite but actually a process with principles. It would be really helpful if the Minister of State could give that commitment on the draft regulations tonight.