Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It was said to the Whips that the fear was that the Bill, because of the Government's difficulties with the Seanad, would be delayed by it. That is no basis for how debate on a Bill should be scheduled. There has been much talk about Dáil reform and the Seanad referendum is over. We were promised reform of the Dáil and the Government is again rushing through the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill on Thursday and Friday. What we are being offered is a Hobson's choice of a five hour Second Stage debate and a three hour Committee Stage debate. There is no need for it.

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