Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

It is proposed to guillotine the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Bill 2009 at 1.30 p.m. today. Very many important amendments remain to be addressed in respect of this legislation. We also have before us two other Bills, the proceedings on both of which it is proposed to guillotine. It is absolutely disgraceful. There is importance in the subject matter of each piece of legislation before the House, the Criminal Justice (Surveillance) Bill, the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Bill and the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill. This is a scandalous approach on the part of this Government to the conduct of business in the House. The House is literally being asked to rubber stamp whatever the Government wishes to present to this and the other Chamber. It is not the way to do business. Critical amendments which people have put a great deal of time and effort into preparing will not now be addressed.

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