Pádraig Mac Lochlainn: Slam on 60-Minute Limit amid Cost Crisis

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn addresses the Ceann Comhairle, Taoiseach and Government Chief Whip over an imposed one-hour debate limit as prices rise and people struggle. He accuses the Government of shutting down scrutiny for six weeks and demands clarity on planned excise charges.

Immediate challenge to time limit

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn challenges the decision to allocate one hour for debate, noting that was only seven and a half minutes per grouping for his party. He says the 60-minute cap effectively prevents amendments and meaningful scrutiny at a time when prices are 'going through the roof' and families face a serious crisis.

Blocked scrutiny and public impact

Mac Lochlainn argues the chamber has been shut down for six weeks and that people outside are 'absolutely struggling.' He presses the Taoiseach and the Government Chief Whip for absolute clarity on whether excise charges will be reintroduced as they plan, warning that rushed procedures leave the public without answers.

Parliamentary procedure and consequences

The address frames the time limit not just as a procedural constraint but as a political choice with real consequences. Mac Lochlainn makes a direct appeal for transparency on excise charges and for the space to take amendments, positioning the limitation as unacceptable in the face of a cost crisis.