Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I thank Members for their contributions. I wish to make a couple of points specifically on the manner in which this matter was handled. Deputy Gilmore disagreed with me regarding how this matter came before the House and not before the joint committee. I suggest he has a word with the Labour Party Whip. I want to put the matter straight.

The Government wanted this matter to be discussed at length in committee because that is the appropriate place to deal with a technical issue like this. Deputy Boyle objected and said he had issues he wanted discussed in the House, which he is entitled to do. Because there was no unanimity, the matter came to the House. The Labour Whip agreed with Deputy Boyle's point. Those are the facts.

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