I very much welcome the opportunity to have a debate rather than statements on the financial emergency measures in the public interest, FEMPI, legislation. I would have thought, however, having come this far, that the House would allow motions to be put on the legislation and vote on them, rather than just statements. Given that we have no democratic control over this important issue and its implications for tens of thousands of public sector workers’ pay, we should at least express our sentiments through a motion and have a vote showing where the political parties stand on their relationship with the public sector and the penalties that will be imposed on it through this legislation.

If the Deputy asks a representative on the business committee to raise it in the morning, it can be discussed and we can come back with a proposal.

I will ask a representative to do that.