Let me make a point here. I take the sincerity of all that was said, but I see little purpose in continuing like this. Section 198 is a very important section, but it is not a section that could not be improved by amendments. That was one of the points I was seeking to tease out when I was being interrupted: I also foresaw that there was going to be a 5:5 vote and that an important and central section of the Companies Act and what we are trying to achieve in this Bill with regard to the protection of those who are trading with the company, was undermined——
SECTION 199.
Question proposed: "That section 199 stand part of the Bill."
If he has these concerns, the Deputy should ensure that Fianna Fáil Members attend Committee meetings.
I am not the Chairman nor the Whip. I am simply making the point as a Member of the Committee who has, on several occasions——
The fact is that the Deputy's party have cocked-up by failing to have their Members present.
——defended views the Deputy put forward but I do not think any of the views he put forward today are defensible.
I intend to re-enter this on Report Stage. I do not think anyone can take pride in deleting this section and I commend Deputy Rabbitte for supporting its retention. The interests of the workers are involved here too and I think they are protected in the section. I am appalled by the deletion of that section.
Chairman——
I have heard both sides, Deputy Barrett, and I am in the Chair. I called that section 199 stand part of the Bill. I ask all Members to continue on that section. Section 198 was defeated as amendments were defeated. I want to make progress.
I want to put on the record that section 147 of the Companies Act, 1963 still applies, though the Minister gave us no valid reason to amend it.
I will not have another discussion on amendment No. 242. Do we want to make progress?
(Interruptions.)
I am attempting to make progress and to allow every side discuss the amendments before us, and nothing else. Kindly let us do the business before us.
Question put and agreed to.