Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

What is the implication if we look at the context of Article 40.3.30 rather than just the eighth amendment?

Senator Mullen referenced lobbying. I recall at the Constitutional Convention, of which I was a member, an accusation of lobbying being made and it was put to the person who made the accusation that there was no foundation to the accusation. Lobbying is part of our democracy and rather than blaming the process, can we just allow the assembly to do its work and commend the members rather than try to blame the process? The process has taken place. We must now ensure that we act upon it.

If members of the committee read the commentary of the members of the assembly, and I accept the point that they are just recommendations, they will see there is an overwhelming desire on the part of the members of the assembly to see some type of action being taken and it behoves us to tease that out. I again thank Ms Justice Laffoy and also the assembly members for their work.