Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The proposition presented to us by the Chief Whip is not only dangerous but also unacceptable. It cannot be acceptable to the House. It should not be acceptable to the Government. It is not acceptable to the Opposition, as voices have already recorded, and I add our view to that. Without question, the Order Paper is exactly as has been read into the record. It was adopted here this morning. This is the basis upon which is was decided. It was determined by Members. Quite frankly, there is no greater way to describe what is being proposed than a sleight of hand.

The natural outworking of this situation in the future could mean that a Government, on so-called mature reflection overnight, could overturn almost any decision which this House makes regarding legislation or any other matter. The following morning, via the mechanism of the Order of Business, it could dump a decision which has already been taken. That is unacceptable and is not the way to work. What confidence can any of us, as elected voices in this Chamber, have in the decision-making process of the Dáil if the Government takes unto itself the right to change a decision of the House the following morning or afternoon by merely introducing a proposition on the Order of Business? That is what is proposed. It is unacceptable. It is a very dangerous proposition and precedent. By any measurement, in terms of democracy, the rights of voices and due process in terms of the preparation of legislation, it is not acceptable.

If the Government has made an error regarding this matter, it has done so, but I join with the previous speaker in making the point that it seems like an eminently sensible and reasonable amendment in the first instance. I cannot find any excuse which would be acceptable for the mechanism which is now presented to overturn it. We disagree with it.

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