Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

I agree entirely with Deputy Kenny's reasonable comments. There are 156 amendments to this Bill and even allowing for almost five hours of discussion, that comes to approximately 40 amendments per hour. One would scarcely read the amendments in that time. While I am aware the Tánaiste has little regard for the House, I had thought he might have regard for the views publicly expressed by his colleagues at the Bar or those of the Law Society of Ireland.

Moreover, it is unreasonable to ask Members who will be present in the Chamber from 10.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. without any break to focus on such a task, which experts have stated warrants serious scrutiny. The Tánaiste is aware that the Labour Party has given support in principle for what he is attempting to do in this instance and I do not know why he wishes to deal with it in this manner. Although the Human Rights Commission, which is a statutory body, has been unable to report on it due to lack of time, the Tánaiste is ploughing ahead regardless. This is not the way to make law, especially having regard to some of the delicate issues concerning the liberty of the citizen and other matters that are at issue in this regard. I ask the Tánaiste to rethink the reason the guillotine must come down today. It is unlikely that some of the more important matters will be reached at all.

In addition, a break of half an hour should be provided for during the course of the day.

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