Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)

The record will show that I was in attendance. To clarify for Members opposite, it is proposed that the debate on Second Stage of this very important Bill which could cause a loss of Irish sovereignty and tie us to austerity indefinitely should be guillotined at 12.30 p.m. and that the time allocated for Committee and Remaining Stages should be limited to one hour. Even though it is very difficult in any referendum Bill to alter the wording on Committee Stage, the guillotine should not applied in this instance. I acknowledge that we are sitting on a Friday, which is a welcome change. However, on this occasion we should sit for as long as is necessary today, tomorrow and Sunday, as long as there are speakers who wish to contribute to the debate. Therefore, I urge the Government not to proceed with the guillotine. I have opposed guillotines on a range of issues but this is one of the most important debates to have taken place in respect of the future of Ireland.

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