I move:

That, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders:

(1) The Dáil will sit later than 8.30 p.m. tonight and that the business shall be interrupted on the adjournment of Private Members' business, which shall be No. 35, which shall be taken for 90 minutes at 7 p.m. or on the conclusion of No. 10 whichever is the later.

(2) The proceedings on the Committee and Remaining Stages of No. 16 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 7 p.m. tonight by one question which shall be put from the Chair and which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Is that agreed?

It is not agreed. I am surprised at the other Opposition parties for not voicing their opposition. This is a guillotine to a debate. Thankfully we have not had many guillotines to legislation since this Dáil was formed and it is an affront to democracy. We could have got through the number of amendments before us in the required time. I have no objection to the extended time to deal with this but to announce at this late stage that there is a guillotine tonight on a matter of such importance to the Irish people is an affront to democracy and to parliamentary procedure.

There are some relevant amendments but by and large there is agreement on the composition of the Bill. If Members were considerate of other Members and willing to co-operate we would have plenty of time to deal with the issue between now and 7 p.m. and get to each amendment.

Hear, hear.

Hear, hear.

Is it agreed? Agreed.