Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

On a number of occasions this morning, the Minister for Finance referred to the heavy Dáil schedule for the next two weeks and invited the Opposition to facilitate the passing of legislation. The Fine Gael Party will co-operate with the Government on passing the Defamation Bill, which is particularly relevant having regard to the events of the past 24 hours. Will the Minister for Finance have a word with his colleague seated beside him, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, and explain that the only contentious issue in the Defamation Bill, the only hurdle to be surmounted, is the Minister's personal crusade to introduce a new crime of blasphemy.

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