Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I have heard the Deputy's concerns and I have listened to the NGO groups. The House must stand by the commitment that we gave. However, if the committee working on this believes it is not possible to complete the work then it is not possible. That is the reality. If it is possible to deal with the more limited issue of the age of consent, which is not being pressed for by NGO groups — one of them has made a statement on the issue but I am not sure how strongly it feels — we must consider this and come to a decision.

The substantive issue, which was recognised in the Whitaker review of 12 years ago, remains to be dealt with. The Bill is before the House but we need to obtain agreement through the committee.

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