Seanad debates
Thursday, 10 April 2003
Order of Business.
Mr. B. Hayes: I oppose the Order of Business on several grounds. It is an absolute joke that we are to be asked to discuss the changes that the Dáil has made to the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003 in one hour's debate. I understand that there are 27 amendments to the Bill. That is not the way to do business. It is not the Leader's fault but that of Standing Orders. My party's spokesperson and those of other parties are to be allowed to make only one response to the 27 amendments. On that basis, we oppose both the Order of Business and the way in which the Government is moving the motion for Earlier Signature. In effect, the a guillotine is being applied to the President who is being told to "Sign this, or else". I ask the Leader, even at this late stage, to reconsider the Order of Business.
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