Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

First, I wish to record the total disregard of this motion and our group, which has precious little Private Members' time. Your office received this motion 11 days ago, a Cheann Comhairle, and at 9 last night we were notified in writing that you were not allowing it to proceed.

Second, your offer to put a preamble to the motion that would refer it to the Dáil reform committee does nothing other than refer to that committee a motion that you say conflicts with the scheme of the separation of powers as set out in Bunreacht na hÉireann. That is set out in your writing.

Third, we have repeatedly asked for the legal opinion and it has been refused to us, other than to say it was verbal, not written. This is at least shoddy and at worst undemocratic. We are not going to sit here and take it. There will be no preamble and no referral to the Dáil reform committee. We have a right to put the motion. We submitted it 11 days ago. My office put a great deal of work into it, yet we were told "end of" at 9 last night. I do not accept that. I was elected by the people of Dublin South-Central to represent their interests and I am going to stand here until I am allowed to do that. I do not accept being pushed around in this shoddy way. It is not me you are insulting, but the people of Ballyfermot, Drimnagh, Walkinstown and elsewhere. How dare this House do that.

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