Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It also abolishes the bereavement grant and free telephone allowance. These measures will have the most profound consequences for some of the most vulnerable people in this country. Why the rush? In the lead up to the last general election, when the Labour Party was in opposition, it proposed, as part of Dáil reform, that there be an interval between the different Stages of legislation so that people would have an opportunity to reflect on what was said on Second Stage. Why the rush to get this Bill through all Stages by 4 p.m. tomorrow? It is still only October. These measures do not take effect until January. What is the rush? Is this the democratic revolution we were promised prior to the election?

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