Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle. I am delighted to have that protection. What I asked for in the Dáil last week was a debate; I did not ask for statements. We are getting only statements. First, the Taoiseach went all around the house to avoid answering the question and after the shuffling I put the question to him again. He then replied by saying nobody had asked him for a debate. Who has to ask the Taoiseach for a debate on a matter of this nature that will be put to the people in a referendum for ratification? Surely, it should have been automatic that it would have been presented.

See this speech in context