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

It is not agreed to. On this and the next measure, we object to the unacceptable use of the guillotine in principle. It reflects the Government's approach to this Dáil from the outset where it has sought to undermine its efficacy, reduce time for debate and ram through important legislation. The most glaring illustration of that was the legislation setting up Irish Water, which proved to be a debacle. It has been debacle after debacle and there have been many illustrations of it. There has been no indication from Government that it has taken the whole idea of reforming how the Dáil operates seriously or allowing the Dáil to develop its own personality, independent of the Executive.

The Taoiseach has served the Parliament very badly during his term and this is further evidence of it. Particularly when we consider that the Dáil only sat for five days in September and ten days in October. Essentially since May the game plan has changed and the Dáil has been shut down by the Government to reduce accountability. I am not talking about sittings that do not matter and all that kind of thing.

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