I propose the following draft report:
The Select Committee has considered the Bill and has made amendments thereto. The Bill, as amended, is reported to the Dáil.
Is that agreed?
Report agreed to.
Ordered to report to the Dáil accordingly.
Report of Select Committee.
I would like to thank the Members for their contributions and the Minister for being so forthcoming in relation to the amendments. It was a very worthwhile two-day debate on this important legislation and I sincerely thank all members of the select committee for their constructive approach. Could we make a decision on our next meeting? We need to discuss Supplementary Estimates for the Department of Equality and Law Reform.
I have spoken with the Opposition convenor and I suggest we pencil in next Thursday, depending on the availability of the Minister and yourself and accommodation. The Clerk will notify members in due course.
I suggest a note on that be circulated as soon as possible.
Notification will be circulated as quickly as possible. We will have the matter finalised by tomorrow at the latest.
I suggest that a meeting of the committee be convened to have a general discussion on how we go about our business, what our work plan is, what matters may be raised and what our terms of reference are. I would be happy if these points were considered by sub-committee. I would like to have a briefing on that.
We have agreed to hold the next meeting to discuss the Supplementary Estimates and we can arrange a meeting to discuss the points raised by Deputy Mitchell.
In relation to the setting up of a sub-committee, as Deputy Mitchell suggested, these are relatively new committees which have experienced some teething problems and it would be beneficial to establish a committee along the lines Deputy Mitchell suggested.
It is something we can discuss. We are, unfortunately, still restricted by our terms of reference which are to be reviewed by the end of the year. I hope, as a result of the views and opinions conveyed to the Chief Whip in relation to constraints on committees, we can make progress. That can be discussed at our next meeting.
The Select Committee adjourned at 4.15 p.m.