Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

I am conscious of time so I will be brief. I understand the concept behind the amendment. I caution that people should not rush to judgment on any matter but particularly if there are to be investigations in which Members may be involved.

Anybody who might be subject to inquiry in the future will look very carefully at what is being said by Members who might act in, or sit on, such investigations in the future. We should not prejudge these matters, and I advise the House to be very careful about this matter. For the reasons I have stated, I cannot accept the amendment.

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