Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have no problem. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick left here this evening. It is surprising coming from Deputy Smith because at every Business Committee meeting and in most Orders of Business here they are demanding more time, yet they tried to confine this to ten minutes. The Acting Chairman said 70 speakers spoke but there are 158 Members. A number who wanted to speak have gone home. We were right to get the 20 minutes because we have 20 minutes on climate change, Dublin Port and rural roads and ten minutes was all they wanted on this life and death situation. The terminology used by Deputy Smith was interesting when she said we should let the debate end its life naturally when they want to end the life unnaturally of thousands of children. I insist that the Members who checked before they went home that they would have another opportunity to speak will have another opportunity to speak. The Ceann Comhairle has ruled on that.

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