Vol. 748 No. 6
I move:
That, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, or the Order of the Dáil of today, the debate on the following resolutions and on any amendments thereto shall conclude after the times indicated as follows: Resolution No. 4 to conclude after 20 minutes; and Resolution No. 5 to conclude after ten minutes.
Is that agreed?
We could not agree to that.
The VAT increase is probably the most substantive element of this budget in terms of taxation measures. To allow only 20 minutes for discussion on that issue is ridiculous and farcical. It is not acceptable.
The 30 minutes previously allocated was the minimum expected in terms of addressing a proposal that seeks to impose an extra 2% on the standard rate of value added tax. This proposal is outrageous. If one were to total the minutes allocated, a little more than two hours in total has been allowed. We are sitting until midnight and there is adequate time in the schedule already outlined and agreed to allow for any vote that might present. The Government can be sure some will.
This is appalling.
It is an outrageous attack on democracy.
I call Deputy Murphy.
Even with the tentatively agreed timetable there was 40 minutes remaining between the final vote and midnight. Adequate time has been provided. As such we should not lose time on Financial Resolution No. 4, which deals with VAT. Discussion on that issue is likely to absorb more time. I ask that the time allocated for debate on that resolution be reinstated.
Unless it is being withdrawn——
I do not want to have to resort to coming into the House at 11 p.m. seeking that all remaining resolutions be taken together. We are wasting time.
We are sitting until midnight.
This is an attack on our basic rights. This is a democratic Chamber.
The Whips——
I ask Members to speak through the Chair.
Five resolutions are being taken together.
We do not need a chorus. We are trying to sort something out.
Someone, perhaps the Tánaiste, needs to defend our rights.
I will look after Deputy Kelleher.
Please allow Deputy Kehoe to proceed.
The Whips went through the resolutions and came up with a timeframe that will take us up to midnight. These resolutions must be passed before then. We are under time restriction. For this reason, I have had to reduce the time allocated to each resolution.
These resolutions are being rail-roaded through.
Deputy Dooley, please. We are wasting time.
