Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

In order to facilitate further debate on this issue, it was decided yesterday, at the behest of the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights, that the deadline be extended. There is a timeframe within which we must work and it has been agreed to debate this matter on 17 June. This is the most appropriate way to deal with it and it was not considered appropriate to look to further business. The best approach is to accept this proposal and thus allow for the further extension as agreed by the committee.

With regard to the overall issue raised by the Deputy, the justice committee is probably one of the busiest committees in the House and it has a considerable amount of work on hand.

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