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

I wish to put on record how appalled we are at the Government's insistence on making this proposition to the Dáil this morning. It demonstrates an absolute lack of respect for the House, its Members and those who elected us. It demonstrates a lack of respect for any sense of fair procedure or deliberation on the formulation of legislation. The Bill is a very substantive and significant one, since it provides for the transfer of a range of assets and physical infrastructure to Irish Water from local authorities across the country. There are many amendments tabled by Opposition Members. It is very clear that the Government will not give consideration to anything at all that is said in this House on the Bill, nor will it consider any Opposition amendment. By the nature of the order that is now before us, one question will decide the fate of the Bill if Committee and Report Stages are not concluded within the time allowed. Approximately three hours have been allowed today for this substantial and important Bill, which was published two weeks ago. Three hours is all we are allowed.

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