Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I concur with Deputy Gilmore on the unacceptable structuring of the first proposition, which incorporates a reference to four specific sets of proposals and an additional structuring of the address of the financial resolutions covering 52 areas. It is beyond the compass of the House to give blanket approval to this without debate.

I ask that the Chief Whip, with the Tánaiste, will agree to break this up and allow the opportunity for financial resolutions to be placed for scrutiny and debate in the Chamber. To all intents and purposes, this is a copper-fastening of the Government intent without Opposition scrutiny. Incorporated within these financial resolutions are proposals to apply guillotines within committee. It can be seen on the Order Paper. We are being asked to approve financial resolutions and how the process will progress without going through the detail that is involved. I am not prepared to accept guillotines here and I will not approve guillotines elsewhere within the process hidden behind what is in the Order Paper. It is wrong and this is not the way business should be done in the House.

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