Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I sought to give clarification. I said I could not anticipate further consideration of the Government or any of its decisions. I said the matter was brought to the attention of spokespersons. The Government reserves the right to bring forward a referendum if it considers that is the correct thing to do. I do not wish to anticipate the outcome of our deliberations but we have checked out the position with spokespersons. When the Minister of State, Deputy Barry Andrews, returns and reports to Government we will then decide what to do next.

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