Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I have a question for you, a Cheann Comhairle, and I would like you to listen to it. The Taoiseach said the issue being appealed related to the separation of powers. I had wished to ask the Taoiseach if that was the separation as between the Oireachtas and the Judiciary since the holding of by-elections is a matter for the Oireachtas. Were you, Sir, informed by the Government that it was its intention to appeal to the Supreme Court a matter relating to the separation of powers between the Oireachtas and the Judiciary? There is also an issue about the separation of powers as between the Oireachtas and the Government.

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