Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is not agreed. We have often agreed to late sittings where there are matters of importance or emerging legislation that merit that, but we will not agree to a late sitting this evening which has the express purpose of continuing the sham with the Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill. The choreography and cynicism that have been demonstrated by the Government is apparent to everyone at this stage. The Government is clearly abusing its position in the manner of ordering the business of this House to ramrod legislation through the House that will have very serious consequences and implications for people who are struggling to get by, as the Government continues to insist on its unjust and unjustifiable water charges.

I note in a later proposal the Government also intends to guillotine that same piece of legislation. I do not think the Government should abuse the Dáil and Dáil procedure in this way. It is for that reason that we oppose a late sitting this evening.

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