Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I want to ask about the citizens' assembly that is envisaged. I understand that, in the first instance, it will deal with the eighth amendment. Many of us wonder about the fact that yet another mechanism has been produced for more debate but also a further delay in dealing with what is a very urgent issue. Why are elected representatives excluded from the assembly? Will the Oireachtas have an opportunity to amend that course of action and have a structure similar to that of the Convention on the Constitution which was Thirty-two Counties in scope and involved representatives from the Oireachtas and the Assembly? What other issues does the Tánaiste envisage being involved? This or a similar mechanism might prove to be an ideal space in which to consider many of the Ireland-wide issues that arise in respect of Brexit and the vote in the North to remain.

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