Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

Second, if there is no provision for the taking of a division or vote next week, that means that the House will be deprived of making a decision. I submit that this proposal is not constitutional. I suggest that at a minimum the Ceann Comhairle should adjourn the House to take some advice on it and to perhaps consult either party leaders or party Whips on the proposal.

I draw the Ceann Comhairle's attention to the fact that Deputy Stagg had proposed seven amendments to this motion from the Government this morning but it will not be possible to deal with those seven amendments individually because the Government proposes that the motion be taken as one question and be put without debate, which will deprive us of the opportunity of dealing with it.

I recommend that the Ceann Comhairle adjourn the House and take some advice on this. I submit to him, on behalf of the Labour Party, that the Government proposal before the House is not constitutional.

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