Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I welcome the Minister's indication that she will meet Members of other parties. I acknowledge that we have spoken previously on the matter but it is important that our engagement is ongoing. She will understand that in the absence of detail from not only our own parts, but also a range of external interests in this area, the clamour of concern is growing. We must have faith in what she and her Department are proposing. I have had faith heretofore and I want to be able to respond to concerns with the certainty I had when we concluded our deliberations and report in committee more than two years ago. It must be acknowledged that the delay is inordinate and this gives rise to understandable concern. The Minister would go some way towards addressing this concern by keeping others in the House informed as best she can. I hope we will be consulted prior to the Cabinet agreeing to the wording. Surely that would best inform the final proposition to be put before the people.

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