Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The Bill is being taken in the House in one and a half hours' time. The contents of the Bill before the House, including the precise legal points to which the Deputy refers, can be discussed during the debate. Deputy Rabbitte asked for clarification on section 3(5) in the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2006 before the debate and I will ask the Tánaiste to clarify that to the Labour Party spokesperson. We have consulted on the defence of honest mistake with all bodies in the field on the review of the Constitution which we have undertaken since last autumn. There has been wide consultation not only with the Ombudsman for Children but with the rapporteurs and other NGOs in the area. The Tánaiste can deal with the issue of consultation in the last few days. I will ask the Chief Whip to ask the Tánaiste's office or the Attorney General to clarify his points raised.

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