Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

It is not agreed. The imposition of the guillotine on the social welfare Bill proposed for 1.30 p.m. today is another example of the curtailment of real and full debate which the Government has employed on a raft of legislation. Yesterday we saw the example of rushed legislation and the unaccommodating approach of Government to full participation by all Members. In the debate being allowed for, only two of my colleagues will have the opportunity to participate. If that is a pro rata indication of the number of speakers allowed across the floor of the House, the significant majority of Members of this House will not have a chance to participate on Second Stage of the social welfare Bill.

This is a major matter and this proposal should not be accepted. The social welfare Bill is an important Bill and I suggest that the Tánaiste lift the guillotine and allow full participation for all Members who wish to offer. I know there are other Deputies who would like to participate but who cannot do so on the basis of this guillotine proposal. I strongly oppose it.

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