John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The fact is that we have to do something as a Parliament. We have to be heard, and we are not being heard.

The other frightening aspect of all this is that real detailed budgetary matters, this summer economic statement and policies that would make a difference to the country and the people who live in it are now not being debated even at those parliamentary party meetings, and I am speaking for my own party.

That is a disgrace because people believe this legislation or any other legislation is being scrutinised to the extent that there will be a comfort around parliamentary party meeting debates, around committees and their debates, around pre-legislative scrutiny and, finally, on the grand presentation in this House.

I am very disappointed that, as far as democracy is concerned and about the issue of hearing many varying voices, we are excluded from the debate on the issues within parties and within this House. I have on occasion appealed to the Ceann Comhairle to reach out and give the Members the right to speak. We are being deprived of the right from within a political party. That is a sad thing to say but it is true on this side of the House. That we are in a three-party coalition makes it even more difficult. I have to gain every opportunity I can to take debates like this and to put on the record of the House the demand for change. As far as the budget goes, please remember the little people.

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