Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The reason is that advice from the Attorney General's office on the transfer indicated that this provision would normally be done by an order. It would not usually come before the House. However, due to recent cases, the Attorney General has stated that certain provisions relevant to the transfer of functions cannot be included in a transfer order and that we need primary legislation. We will debate until 6 o'clock why something will now be done by statutory Act rather than by an order. The suggestion we would need so much time is ridiculous.

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