Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

We are faced with a guillotine applying at midnight tonight on Committee, Report and Final Stages. The content of this legislation is not reasonable by any yardstick. The consequences of the passage of this legislation will not be reasonable in terms of the reality it will spell out for ordinary people who are currently struggling to make ends meet. The passage of this legislation will significantly deepen the difficulties such people have to face. If the Taoiseach agrees, we will have an opportunity to extend the period of time for debating this legislation so that more Members can participate and the spotlight can be placed on what is entailed in the Bill. It should not become subsumed in terms of the new elements that have now been introduced, thereby creating a distraction from the real intent of the Bill from the outset and all the consequences that means for people. The guillotine is absolutely unacceptable and we are making a last appeal to have it lifted to let the debate continue.

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