Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I refer to the motion we received at 7 p.m. yesterday from the Government on the eighth report of the Convention on the Constitution. I propose an amendment to the motion as there is something very wrong. The idea that key topics such as the right to housing, disability support services and linguistic and cultural rights should all be referred to the finance committee is quite bizarre, but the idea that we should do so without debate is more than that - it borders on making a mockery of this House. Many Members know that we are only due to sit for two days next week. In that context, surely before the Government side moves the motion, we should have a debate on the issue. This is a debating chamber, is it not? It was the last time I checked. To use a phrase the Leader likes to use, I do not wish to divide the House. If he is willing to grant us time next week to debate the matter, we will not push our amendment to a vote. It is entirely inappropriate to push a motion such a this without debating it. It makes a mockery of the eighth report of the Convention on the Constitution. Senator James Reilly mentioned the importance of debate in the Chamber. Surely, therefore, we can all agree that before the eighth report of the convention is pushed to the finance committee, effectively to consider the important matters referred to on a cost basis, we should have a debate on the matter. I ask the Leader to be reasonable and recognise the fact that we have an extra day for debate next week. Will he allow a debate to take place so as not to divide the House on the matter? We disagree fundamentally with the proposition put forward by the Government. It was bordering on cynical to slip it through at 7 p.m. yesterday evening on the basis that it would be considered without debate. If I am wrong, I am sure the Leader will be generous enough to say we can debate the matter next week with the extra time available. It is embarrassing that we are only due to sit for two days next week; therefore, let us take advantage and do what we are being paid to do and debate the matter next week.