Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I agree with Deputy Kenny that the amount of time being provided for these Estimates is far too short. For that reason, the Labour Party is opposed to this proposal. I am also opposed to it because of the completely unsatisfactory arrangements the Taoiseach has indicated for the taking of the Social Welfare Bill. It would appear what is happening is that the Government is now so terrified of exposing any of the Government Deputies to their constituents over the weekend that it will try to get the Social Welfare Bill through before they go home for the weekend. If the Taoiseach cannot carry his team for one difficult weekend, he will not have much chance of carrying them for another two years.

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