Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am disappointed that the amendments have been ruled out of order. This goes to the crux of the Bill, regarding the requirements contained therein to enshrine in domestic law the austere rules contained within the austerity treaty. I had tabled a proposal that instead of committing the Government to imposing such budgetary rules, in the future it would have an option to impose them. This is bad practice and members should be aware that, with the Government, they are binding the hands of future Governments, of whatever shape, composition or political persuasion, to implement these rules. This is a sad day for democracy because the people will no longer have the say on whether they will adhere to or deviate from these rules as the legislation will bind their hands.