Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

The schedule circulated by the Whips clearly sets out that today's business is the Twenty-seventh Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2004 — Order for Second Stage and Second Stage. My party wants to oppose the Order for Second Stage. We are told repeatedly from the Chair that the ordering of business is "a matter for the Whips". I have received a document from the Government Whip which states that the Order for Second Stage will be taken. This referendum is being forced through the House with the transparent purpose of its being put to the people in an election atmosphere. In accordance with the report of the committee chaired by the Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Brian Lenihan——

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