Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)

I agree with Deputy Gilmore's observations about the process. This is an unprecedented situation where a total of 34 separate resolutions are being put to the House. Not all of these resolutions come into effect as and from midnight. Quite a number of the resolutions will not take effect until January. Why, therefore, is the House being asked to group these resolutions now and to vote on them before midnight, when up to 40% of them do not come into effect until January of next year? It is a normal procedure on budget night that the financial resolutions take effect from midnight this evening but not all of them take effect from that time. As Deputy Gilmore said, the Opposition would agree with quite a number of measures.

However, the fact that they are being grouped means there will be an omnibus vote on each of the groups and effectively the House will be unable to divide on each individual resolution.

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