Madam, - The banner headline "Immigration Bill to have 200 amendments" (The Irish Times, May 16th) appears to be based on an announcement by Minister of State Conor Lenihan. This is news to those of us actually prosecuting the Bill and, I suspect, will be news to the Department of Justice.
There are indeed several amendments of no consequence (technical and drafting) in the name of the Justice Minister. However, one can count on the fingers of one hand the number of meaningful amendments accepted or initiated by Minister Lenihan Senior. Truly a house divided. - Yours, etc,
PAT RABBITTE TD, Labour Party Spokesperson on Justice, Dáil Éireann, Dublin 2.