Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

While I agree with Deputy Kenny in one sense, it seems strange that it is proposed to deal with a motion on this major issue, which has been debated across the length and breadth of the country over the past month, without debate. Not only will it have major implications for Ireland, Europe and the world, but it will also have substantial implications for the manner in which this House conducts its business, as it gives the Oireachtas a new statutory role. While I accept that the matter will not be debated on this occasion, perhaps the Tánaiste can tell us when Deputies will have an opportunity to discuss the implications of the Lisbon treaty for how the Oireachtas conducts its business with the European Union.

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