Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand this was agreed with the Whips. It is usual that we would make time available for Deputies to return to their constituencies ahead of a referendum of this nature. It is an important decision that people are making and it is not unprecedented to provide time for Deputies to be in their constituencies. Certainly, my Department has legislation which we are only too pleased to bring to the House, so I assure the Deputy that our appetite for legislation is as good as ever.

See this speech in context