Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

That recruitment is currently taking place. Finance to allow this to happen has been provided to the Minister of State. Members will note from the amendment that a number of issues raised by the Opposition in the context of its proposals were accepted by Government. There is clearly an acceptance that the Government will hold a referendum. The issue yet to be decided is the timeframe and date in this regard. We are working towards ensuring that when the referendum is put to the people we are crystal clear about what it is we want to achieve and can articulate this. An issue of this seriousness should be separated-----

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