Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

We have explained that at length to the group. I do not believe I will live to see a Minister include such a provision in a Bill. Members are telling people they should keep pushing for something which has never happened since the foundation of the State and which is unlikely to happen this side of the year 4000. I have received letters stating this has happened in Canada and America. It has not happened anywhere in the world, including New South Wales, Tasmania or elsewhere. We will try everything we can to make this legislation as perfect as possible but we are not about to include a provision which is not in legislation anywhere in the world and has never been done in this country. It is wrong for Members to advise people to keep pressing for something which is impossible.

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