Gerard Murphy (Cork North West, Fine Gael)

I did not realise we would discuss the home defence Bill in conjunction with these amendments but I am glad that Deputy Lynch brought it up because it is within the Minister's remit to allow her deal with the issues she has mentioned. Many Members of this House are concerned about this, including those who initiated the Bill, which is at a preliminary stage. We are asking the Minister to allow it proceed to Committee Stage. There would be many amendments on Committee Stage and the Minister knows all too well about amendments and how successful they can be in turning a Bill around, as he and the Opposition Members have shown in respect of this Bill.

There is no reason the home defence Bill that we will discuss next——

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