I thank the Minister, his officials and Deputies for attending today's meeting. It is obvious there is disagreement because the amendments were not with the Front Bench spokesman on time. This leaves us with no alternative but to adjourn the meeting and resume at a date to be agreed as soon as possible.
Business of Select Committee.
I have been informed that the amendments were with the Bills Office on Friday by 11.30 a.m.
This has happened on a number of occasions and I do not think it is good enough. I realise that Deputy Finucane and I have co-operated as far as possible in putting Bills through in the shortest possible time - probably a record on Committee Stage - but on the basis that reasonable time is given to consider amendments. I had five minutes to consider major amendments to the Bill. I do not know what they mean or their implications. I ask the Minister to ensure that this does not recur.
I do not know whether the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources is being apologetic when it says the amendments were with the Bills Office at 11.30 on Friday. I would not dispute that but the departmental officials would also be aware that Deputies, like themselves, were away for the Easter recess and returned on Tuesday. I do not know if that represents a scant disregard for Opposition politicians but we are often criticised for the way we process legislation. I am suggesting that if we are to apply ourselves properly, we need time to study the legislation. I do not think it is a defence for the Department to say that the amendments were with the Bills Office on Friday and tough lucky that we may be down the country as the case may be.
I accept the time was short notwithstanding the fact that the bank holiday intervened. I appreciate what both Deputies have said and I want to facilitate them. If a date can be arranged for next week we will get everything up and running for that meeting. I apologise for the delay regarding the amendments.
Deputy Finucane and I have always tried to deal with Committee Stage of a marine Bill in one meeting. I suggest that the Clerk to the committee, in consultation with the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources, arrange an early start so we can conclude Committee Stage in one meeting.
The Clerk, in conjunction with the departmental officials, will try to rearrange the meeting for next Wednesday if that is suitable to the Minister also.
Yes.
We could arrange to start the meeting at 9 or 9.30 a.m. as we will be back into the Dáil session.
We have a proposal from Deputy Finucane to adjourn the meeting.
I second that.
There is a Government meeting on Wednesday so it will have to be Wednesday evening.
It will not be sitting late Wednesday. We will do our utmost to complete Committee Stage of the Bill in one meeting.
There will be questions to the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources at Question Time on Wednesday.
Perhaps we could arrange the meeting for Wednesday evening.
After Question Time.
What about Tuesday?
Is there a Cabinet meeting down the country on Tuesday?
We will try to arrange the meeting for Wednesday, after Question Time or Thursday morning.
The Select Committee adjourned sine die.