Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I do not think we could have a guillotine this evening only for the fact there is near unanimity within the House. It is a black mark on us and I know the Leader will be very hurt about this because he has a very proud record. It means that instead of using Standing Orders to control the debate, we now find a big question mark in the public arena that because there were only a few who wanted to question this legislation, the only message that goes out is that for the first time in the life of this Seanad, we brought in a guillotine because we had near unanimity to do that. As a democrat, I am sorry to say that.

I accept the ruling and when the Bill is passed, I will accept that. However, we should make up our minds that whatever happens in the future, we may still come back and express our views. If others do not agree with those views, which we expect to happen, we should still be entitled to put them and those opposed should do likewise. It is sad day for me personally and I am sorry it has ended in that manner.