Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Howlin mentioned a previous situation in which a Fine Gael Taoiseach had a view rejected. I point out to him that within 12 months of that, the Anglo-Irish Agreement was signed. I think the opportunity is still there for everybody to participate in an island conversation about the common challenges that we face here. That invitation remains open.

In respect of the Deputy's second question, the fact of the matter is that this is a partnership Government. This party does not have a majority and therefore cannot act as a majority. I have already reminded Ministers of their responsibilities. While my own party would have a very clear view in respect of a Private Members' Bill being put forward by an independent Member, I am concerned, I have to say, at the clarity from the medical profession in terms of how inadequate the particular Bill is. Those who operate at the highest level of integrity in the medical profession have made it perfectly clear that the Bill in question is a bad Bill for women. It does nothing for them. I have a conscience about that and would not vote for something that would not be in their interest.

I have set out a position that we put into the programme for Government, namely, that we would set up a citizens' assembly which would reflect on the eighth amendment to the Constitution, which also deals with the question of the substance of the Bill. I have set out the process by which that will be followed. We have had two Government decisions on it already. It will be up and running by October. This will be the first issue that the citizens' assembly will reflect on. When it comes back with its recommendations, whatever they might be, it will be a matter for the committee of the Dáil, having access to legal, constitutional and medical advice, and so on, to make its recommendations to this House. Then everybody can vote freely in accordance with their conscience. It is a Private Member's Bill that is in question here. I have reminded Cabinet members very clearly of the responsibility they carry in collective Cabinet responsibility. While I am not in a position, as the leader of my own party, to dictate to others who are not members of the party and in that sense are not subject to an agreement we would have internally within our party, those who sit at the Cabinet table, as I have reminded Ministers, have a duty in terms of the defence of the Constitution and collective Cabinet responsibility.

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