Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

We face a very unusual situation in that the Government intends to take all Stages of this Bill and, in effect, to guillotine it by 11.55 p.m. I asked the Leader to provide more time for a considered discussion of the Government's proposals. The reason I make this argument is that in the likelihood of a legal challenge being mounted at some stage by the parties to this matter it would be most useful for the courts to have access to a transcript of a full debate from all sides of the House.

It would also be useful on Committee Stage for Members to put specific questions to the Minister so the court would have a clear view as to the mind of the legislators and of the Oireachtas if the matter ever comes before it. I make this proposal on the basis of the constitutional propriety of this House and the way in which the House has always exercised its business in a manner that ensures parliamentary accountability. I ask the Leader to consider my proposal to extend the debate, otherwise we will be compelled to oppose the Bill.