Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Another question was posed regarding the provision of adequate time for both sides in respect of the agreement and the necessity to override the Constitution. The Office of the Attorney General was consulted on the approach we have taken and it confirmed that this is the appropriate procedure to permit Ireland to participate in the agreement. I assure the House that between now and the conclusion of a replacement, or abandonment of the agreement, by July of next year, the various issues to which Members referred will be raised by me and-or the Minister, Deputy Cullen, in the context of our participation in discussions at the Council of Ministers in the coming months.

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