Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I suppose we have had some of this discourse earlier this afternoon. On behalf of my party, I must object strenuously to the ramming through of this vital legislation. From time to time, the guillotine will be applied and we will accept, although we may protest, that there is an urgency to the moving of the legislation, but this legislation in its current form will place enormous burdens on middle Ireland - those who are already carrying a weight that is in many ways excessive.

There is no need for this legislation to be forced through in this way. For example, we could have come in here to debate it yesterday when the business of the House was concluded in advance of time but that opportunity was not given to us. We can come back here after the Christmas break to debate this and go through the 88 amendments.

The public have a right to expect that we will debate the legislation in a serious and conscientious manner, teasing through this legislation in the way that we as legislators are obliged to do.

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