Luke Flanagan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

On a point of order, I spoke on this Bill earlier today, as did two other Members of the Technical Group and I have since been following the debate from my office. I understand there is a sense of urgency among Government Deputies that more Opposition Members come to the House. If the Chair could facilitate us by providing a potential list of speakers, Members would be able to plan their day around their speaking slots. I remind the House that two thirds of the Members of this House are in Government parties. It is inevitable that the Government side would be able to provide more speakers. This has happened on numerous occasions, including during the debate on a European elections Bill. I recognise that the Government is frustrated with the Minister for Justice and Equality but this will not work as a smokescreen. If we were provided with a list of who is speaking, we would be able to arrange our time. When it comes to bad opposition, we are in our current hole because the parties now in Government wanted the previous Government to spend even more money than it already had spent.

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