Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

In deference to the Taoiseach's position and to his colleague, the Government Whip, it is perhaps unprecedented that the matter be sent from here for consideration by the Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights, with much the same powers as would be vested in a planning authority.

There is a difficulty regarding the time, in so far as the joint committee has risen less than one hour ago, when forced to do so by the Chair because of a previous order of this House. I agree with Deputy Ó Caoláin that there is a difficulty regarding time. Could it be structured to allow for consideration by way of further questions to the Minister, as the debate at committee was incomplete, in so far as questions were raised that were not answered?

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