Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I want to give an unqualified welcome to Senator Naughton today. It must be a happy day for her. I remember my first day in the Oireachtas, some six years ago, and it was a lovely sunny day like today. It is an addition to the House to have the former mayor of a major city as a Member, like Senator Cummins and others. I hope she will put her experience to good use in the House. Go n-éirí leat.

The Whips should come to a compromise over the summer on guillotines and legislation. It is in the Government’s interest in certain circumstances to push through legislation within a certain timeframe. While it is understandable at certain times, many times all the amendments or sections on Committee Stage are not reached. It is unacceptable for a parliament to do this. There must be a middle ground. Will the Whips examine a time limit allocated to every section and amendment that could be agreed in advance in respect of each Bill, particularly the controversial ones such as the protection of life Bill last week and the property tax legislation before Christmas? If an agreement cannot be reached between the Whips, the Government can impose some limits. However, it should ensure all sections and amendments would be disposed of properly. We have to think of this with a bit of fairness to both sides as well.