Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I understand the motion proposes to refer the matter to a committee, which will discuss it. If the members of the committee cannot resolve the matter, it is open to the House to take the matter back from the committee. All we are being asked to do, in the first instance, is to decide whether it should be referred to the committee. It is obvious there are many objections. I am not aware of all the details. After the matter has been examined by the committee, if people seriously believe it should be debated in the House, the Whips can consider it at that stage. I ask that it go to the committee first. We can decide whether it requires time in this Chamber after that debate has finished.

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