, Dún Laoghaire): By agreement and notwithstanding the order made this morning, the Second Stage only of the Air Transport Bill, 1984, will be brought to a conclusion not later than 8 p.m. and the Member in charge of the Bill shall be called on to conclude not later than 7.45 p.m.
Business of Dáil.
We agree with that. We are grateful to the Government for changing their decision to put this Bill through all Stages in this session. This is an example of legislation that was not listed on the programme and which came up very late. I believe it was not the fault of the Government but it came through the system very late. There should be a deadline for Bills and then Departments would be curtailed in the bad habit they have of trying to put through very controversial legislation. Members of this House remember the uproar that was caused by this Bill and the attempts made by the Department to rush it through.
(Dún Laoghaire): As long as I am Government Whip it will always be my ambition to give adequate time to any Member of the House to discuss legislation. Unfortunately, at the end of a session there are measures which we are advised it is necessary to pass before we go into recess but we try to limit the volume of that legislation. In this instance the Government are anxious to respond to a point made by the Opposition this morning so that a proper debate can take place and so that people can consult with one another, not necessarily within this Chamber, if points need to be clarified. We are glad to be able to respond to that request: hence the reason for having only Second Stage.