Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

On the first issue raised by Deputy Kenny, I do not agree with any of the points he made about the citizenship referendum. This issue was highlighted eight years ago. We tried to operate a particular system but abuses of the law in some respects were being practised more frequently. This will be a minor change. It will not have that great an effect on most people. It will have the effect of closing off an area. I do not see the necessity for further debate.

Regarding the other matter, the Government considered it today. As stated this day last week, it could be that the House may require changes in Standing Orders and it might require legislation. It is being examined by the Attorney General and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

My advice at this stage is that it does not cause a constitutional difficulty because the problem is how to make the mechanism work. This was tried in 2001 and some of those areas have to be revisited. The constitutional right of this House to deal with a member of the Judiciary by impeachment is already in place. Judge Curtin today asked for additional time and he will be given that.

The Government has also received the reports from the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Garda Síochána. Until a reply is received from Judge Curtin, there will be no decision made on the action to be taken on those reports.

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