Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)

In this case we are applying the guillotine unnecessarily. The time allowed before the guillotine falls is longer than necessary as there is agreement on the proposals before us. I would say that in many cases they are welcome. There is absolutely no need to use a guillotine as the debate will be long finished before its time comes. The purpose of the guillotine is to set aside Standing Orders in case of an emergency - this is not an emergency. This is standard, routine legislation on which there is agreement so there is no need for the guillotine.

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