Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

Like other Deputies, the Green Party opposes the guillotining of this Bill, particularly as it is fundamental legislation, with 42 amendments. The amendments were tabled in a considered fashion in the hope that time would be allowed for a debate. By guillotining it and hoping to have the matter dealt with without any fuss, essentially, the Government is making a mockery of Report Stage and the idea of improving the legislation. It results in the Opposition going into a default mode. Only one or two amendments will be dealt with, which does not make the best use of parliamentary time. The Government should ask for Opposition co-operation without a guillotine, which would encourage Members to get through the business and be more productive. This would make better use of parliamentary time. The Government should remove the guillotine.

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