Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)

When the Whips met, as Deputies Bruton, Gilmore and Stagg rightly said, we were given two choices, namely, either to go to the Seanad or to introduce a new Bill. Five minutes before the House recommenced dealing with the Bill a short time ago, I got a call to say neither would happen and that the Chief Whip would bring in a new order. The reasoning was that if a new Bill was to be introduced, the advice of the Attorney General would have to be sought and it would have to be passed by Cabinet. If the Cabinet is able to do that and the new Bill can be introduced at 10.30 p.m. tonight, when the current Bill is passed, we give it the opportunity to do so. It can be done.

If what the Government proposes is allowed to go through, a Cheann Comhairle, you are showing disrespect for Members. It is up to you to protect the Members.

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