Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The Taoiseach stated that he is not aware, but that is not a satisfactory reply. Has he taken the necessary steps to ensure that the initiative by the Minister on the part of the Government in what was unquestionably a naked promotion of the "Yes" position on the Lisbon treaty is not in contravention of the McKenna judgment? It is the McKenna judgment that I am asking the Taoiseach to address. To ensure we have an even-handed dissemination of information so that the electorate is informed in a balanced and fair way over the period leading up to 2 October regarding this very important issue, if he has not already done so, will the Taoiseach now ensure at all times with regard to this matter that the Government will not abuse its control over public finances and promote one view in the Lisbon treaty debate to the detriment of balanced information flow? Will the Taoiseach consult the Attorney General and ensure that a clear indication of the rights or wrongs of the Minister's actions are established, which will act as a guide on future conduct on his and the Government's part in the period ahead?

With regard to the Joint Committee on the Constitutional Amendment on Children, certainly the deliberations took longer than any of the members would have anticipated at the outset and with more that 50 meetings, 170 submissions and 13 or 14 direct hearings over the period of time it has been a very busy Oireachtas committee. That said, it has published a second report on absolute liability and the age of consent. Will the Taoiseach indicate when the Government intends to indicate its intention on this matter given that the committee could not arrive at a consensus?

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