Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

A light moment, perhaps. An explanation is required for the guillotine in this instance. We may or may not, depending on the import of what is being proposed, require the time that has been allocated but it should have been left open. The legislation could have been addressed within the suggested timeframe but it should be open to Members' participation. That is critically important. The statistics Deputy Rabbitte quoted must cause alarm bells to ring, particularly on the Government benches, about the use and abuse of the guillotine. It is inappropriate in this instance. The debate should have been left open. The issue could be dealt with in the normal course of our work.

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