John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

To reiterate, the Deputy is asking whether I am in a position to commit. Quite simply, no, I am not. I cannot commit to a Government decision in advance of a Government meeting which will, as I have clearly indicated, take place this evening at 5 p.m. I note the comments of the judge in the case but it is not possible to give the commitment for which the Deputy is asking in advance. The Deputy referred to our having ample time and having taken informal soundings. However, the Government is not run on informal soundings. A Government decision and discussion regarding today's judgment is necessary and these will take place this evening. In advance of that, the type of specific detail and commitments which the Deputy seeks cannot be given.

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