Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am familiar with Standing Order 68. When Deputy Catherine Murphy proposed this the last time, perhaps inadvertently, I immediately put it. On reflection, I think I was wrong because I believe the Minster has to be given an opportunity. It would close down debate. This is not all one sided debate. The Minister will have to be given an opportunity and if I accept this - and I may later Deputy Broughan - and guillotine it now, I am not going to take responsibility for that. It is at my discretion. I will be asking those who have offered to speak, to speak to the motion.

Unfortunately we are in a situation where this Bill has been recommitted. All of the Members present understand what recommittal means. We are not at Report Stage now but rather Committee Stage, and one can speak as often as one likes and as long as one likes, providing, of course, he or she focuses on the amendment. We are now discussing the amendment tabled by Deputy Fitzmaurice. Allow me to draw my breath and see how things develop from here. The Members who are listed to speak are Deputies Danny Healy-Rae, Michael Healy-Rae, Michael Fitzmaurice and Michael Collins. I will give those Members an opportunity to speak. I will not stifle them, but I am asking that they take a limited amount of time. If they do not I will revert back to the proposal suggested by Deputy Broughan.

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