Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)

Deputy Howlin raised two issues with me concerning the amendment moved by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to Second Stage of the Bill. I can confirm that if the amendment is passed tonight, the Bill will be automatically deemed to have passed Second Stage in six months time, when the Bill would appear on the next Order Paper at order for Committee Stage. On the dissolution of the Dáil, all Bills before the House will lapse. Needless to mention, the Chair is not required to consider the impact of the dissolution of the Dáil when ruling on an amendment.

As for the second issue in respect of the ruling cited by the Deputy——

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