Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Attorney General was asked, either in early October or September, after I had made the decision on the defence procurement issue, for advices in respect of the ICJ advisory opinion in parallel with the existing advices in terms of EU exclusive competence over trade. The advice from the Attorney General was comprehensive. I have to be honest; I used the phrase earlier that it is not without risk. Therefore, there is an obligation to strengthen the Bill to make sure it can perhaps be more robust in dealing with any challenges that come our way. That is our responsibility.

The money message has been signed. There is a practice whereby the new Dáil can recommit the Bill to Committee Stage straight away on its restoration, which is what I would want. In fairness to the system, the people who will be drafting amendments - we will consult Senator Black and others - have a responsibility to get it right. These are not small, technical amendments.