Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

We are more than happy to facilitate the Government in dealing with this legislation in a reasonable manner. Can he tell us if there is a reason for rushing it through by midnight tonight, either here publically or in a private briefing? He has provided no reason for dealing with this legislation in this manner. It is not acceptable to us. Unless he can provide a reason for dealing with it like this we cannot accept the proposal. We have made a reasonable proposal to the Taoiseach for dealing with this situation within the next week or two. Why will he not accept that proposal? Will he please tell us if there is a reason for rushing it through? There is no question but that we will regret this move this evening to rush through complex legislation and we will rue the day that we do that.

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