Seanad Report: A dispute over whether all stages of the Immigration Bill should be taken in the Seanad today simmered late into last night. In an unusual move, the Leader of the House, Mrs Mary O'Rourke, said the Cathaoirleach was not happy about the arrangements.
"I am distinctly unhappy about it too, because the Bill will not be taken in the Dáil until next Wednesday and, therefore, I cannot understand why we should be pushed around, which is what is happening.
"I agreed in the end but I have dictated a strong letter to the Minister about this. I do not blame the Minister personally but I genuinely think he is being pushed around by people in his Department. I am being frank about it because I know from the conversation I have had that that is what is happening. Following comments made recently in a judge's report about officials in that particular Department, we are all aware of the situation, which does not seem to have altered."
Mr Joe O'Toole (Ind) said they could deal with the Bill next Tuesday and at least have the weekend to cogitate on its contents, with no loss of time whatever to the Government.
"I do not believe that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is being pushed around by a couple of officials. If that were the case we would need to have a root and branch examination of how that Department works - not that it would surprise me that they would try."
Mr David Norris (Ind) said the matter was an important one because it looked as if it was not even political direction from the Government. "If what the Leader is saying is correct, and I have every reason to believe her, then it means that civil servants are directing Parliament, which is simply unacceptable."
Mrs O'Rourke: "That is my summation."