Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Not agreed. I object to Topical Issue matters not being included in tomorrow's schedule. It is the second week in a row that this change has been made in order to facilitate the fast-tracking of the Water Services Bill. As I understand it, the convention is that, when Second Stage of a Bill concludes, a minimum of two weeks should pass before Committee Stage commences. Yesterday, we had the farcical situation of a Second Stage voted being called after the Order of Business, with Committee Stage starting four hours later close to midnight. Some of us were here until after 1 a.m. I do not believe it to be appropriate or proper that Teachtaí are not allowed to proposed Topical Issue matters for the Ceann Comhairle's consideration. It highlights the unacceptable way that the Government is forcing through legislation in order to pave the way for the introduction of water charges.

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