Dara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Taoiseach for his attendance. First, I support Deputy Harris and disagree with Deputy Sean Fleming. As I believe the McKenna and Crotty judgments must be examined, does the Taoiseach have observations in that regard? It is wrong that when a Government takes a decision, it cannot advocate and make arguments to support a referendum proposal when it is put forward. There is a view that some clarity is required and perhaps some account taken of the McKenna and Crotty judgments. In addition, the Department of the Taoiseach has been driving the trade negotiations between the European Union and the United States, which have enormous potential for both economic blocs. How are they progressing? I believe that under the American system, they must bring back to the Senate any proposals and consequently there is a view abroad that they have a repeated veto over talks which Europeans do not have. Will there be follow-through on this issue, given that so much work has been put in for six months? To what extent can the expertise be carried forward if progress is not made by the end of June?