Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Tánaiste speaks today on behalf of the Government. However, he does not know now whether the Taoiseach intends to dissolve the Dáil on 24 April, the day the House is scheduled to resume. Neither he nor anybody else can know that; it is the sole prerogative of the Taoiseach. From that point of view and given normal business including Leaders' Questions, the Order of Business and Private Members' Business will be taken on the day in question, only two or three hours will be provided for Report Stage of the Bill. This is a fundamentally important issue. I see no reason the Dáil cannot resume on 16 and 17 April to discuss this matter exclusively. This would allow for a two day debate on the critical issues outlined by Deputies Howlin and O'Keeffe without interfering with the Taoiseach's prerogative on 24 or 25 April which, with respect to the Tánaiste, neither he nor I can know.

If the Tánaiste is willing to take Report Stage when the House resumes, I suggest we resume on 17 and 18 April to do so exclusively. If he has to return from far off climes, he has a duty to do so. This is reasonable in the context of ensuring a full, open, thorough and comprehensive discussion on a matter which the Tánaiste rightly said is one on which we should tread very carefully.

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