David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am very glad that we frustrated the attempt of the Government to impose a guillotine because it flew in the face of the policy announced by the Taoiseach, Deputy Varadkar, who stated very clearly that as a matter of policy and under the new politics he would not impose guillotines. The attempt to do so on the Bill flies completely in the face of that statement. It was a narrow squeak because there was an equality of votes in the first vote. I was hoping that the Cathaoirleach would buck the trend and vote with us, but he did not. However, we called a walk-through vote and won it, which was very satisfactory.

I support amendment No. 95a, but I am curious about the fact that the formula of words used by Senator McDowell in the amendment is identical to that in subsection (a). What is the reason for the deletion of subsection (a)? It would be preferable to take out the word "or" at the end of subsection (a) and delete subsection (b). Perhaps Senator McDowell has a reason for that.