Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is a procedural issue. Each time an amendment is moved and withdrawn the House has to agree. Most Members go along with it, but the point I made earlier after a complaint was made to me was that if a Senator debated a matter for two hours, he or she could say we could come back on the Friday or whenever else and debate it again for two hours. Others moved amendments today and within minutes said they would let the Minister reflect on them. Therefore, it is just a question of principle. Any Member can object to the withdrawal of an amendment.