Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

I take the point that the law should be consolidated. Unfortunately, however, we are not in a position to do that work now and we will not be able to do it or implement the report of Deputy Peter Power's committee until we resolve this fundamental constitutional question. There are some obstacles to a consolidation.

On Friday, Deputy Rabbitte welcomed the fact that I had cleared the decks in order to make time available today to deal with this issue on an urgent basis. I am trying to deal with it on just such a basis. I am not trying to take advantage of anyone; I am merely trying to maintain unity in the House.

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