Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I wish to speak on the same matter, namely, the imposition of the guillotine. Where previously it was a feature in the run-up to recesses both prior to the summer and Christmas, in the past year the guillotine has been employed quite freely at various times throughout each of the sessions. It is completely unnecessary. As recent experiences will show, some legislation passes through the House much quicker than the Chief Whip and the Government side have anticipated. I believe that will also apply to the Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Carbon Revenue Levy) Bill. The guillotine is also to be applied to the Ombudsman (Amendment) Bill which is due to conclude at 10 p.m. this evening. I do not believe that is necessary. The guillotine should not be employed in that way. I urge the Taoiseach to remove the guillotine and to allow the House to freely debate each of these matters.

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