I move:
That the Bill be referred to the Select Committee on Enterprise and Economy Strategy pursuant to Standing Order 109 (1), and paragraph 1 (iii) of that committee's Order of Reference.
Private Members' Business. - Credit Union Bill, 1996: Referral To Select Committee.
As the Irish League of Credit Unions indicated it would like the Bill to pass through both Houses during this Dáil, it is deplorable that Fianna Fáil has refused to allow Committee Stage to be taken next week.
The Deputy should raise this matter at another time.
We have allocated Government time to take Committee Stage next week, but Fianna Fáil has refused to co-operate. It has engaged in a filibustering exercise and has refused to take Committee Stage next week.
I have no function in the matter.
This is a disgusting performance from Fianna Fáil.
The Deputy is engaging in unnecessary disorder. He should resume his seat.
I want to make it clear——
Fianna Fáil refused to take Committee Stage next week.
We have refused nothing. It would be impossible for the Opposition to take the Bill next week because of the number of ministerial amendments involved. If the Government wants to call a general election, it should do so tonight.
These matters should be left to the Whips and the appropriate authorities of the House.
If it is a case of rushing the Bill through because of the general election, the Government should say so.
It is traditional to publish amendments as late as the day the committee convenes. This Bill was published before Christmas and I was advised by the secretary of the Select Committee on Enterprise and Economy Strategy that Committee Stage would be taken at 2.30 p.m. next Wednesday. I was subsequently advised by the chairman, Deputy Bill, that it was not possible to proceed with Committee Stage next week because the Opposition would not co-operate. If Deputy O'Keeffe wishes to co-operate, I will nominate next Wednesday for taking the first stages of Committee Stage.
It is up to Deputy O'Keeffe.
It has been agreed to take it on 9 April and the remainder of that week if necessary.
The Deputy is engaging in delaying tactics.
Of what is he afraid?
Over half of those who contributed were from the Government side.
Fianna Fáil is filibustering.
I am surprised at Deputy Ryan causing unnecessary disorder.
It takes a great deal to provoke me.
We did not delay the passing of the Bill. Half the speakers were from the Government side. We merely want room to manoeuvre before Committee Stage.
This is a matter for the Whips and the committee in question.
If the Minister of State is frustrated at the reaction to the Bill, he should not vent his anger on us.
Bring in Deputy O'Rourke.
Question put and agreed to.