Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Those are the precursors, the reminders and the memoranda following it. Let us wake up the conscience of the country. Let us get the Constitution infused. In his contribution Deputy Bannon referred to Article 28.4.1° of the Constitution, which states: "The Government shall be responsible to the people of Ireland." That is fine, but the Government is a tight little circle and can get corrupted - it can auto-corrupt. We are here as elected Members and there is a collegial responsibility. It is a great honour to be a representative of the people. We should not be afraid, nor should we be bound by orders or instructions.

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