Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle) | Oireachtas source

We have just had a debate on something that we were not to have a debate on. Notwithstanding that, I will attempt to be clear. The correspondence that issued from my office issued before it was aware of the decision the other House had made. Just as the other House made its decision without any regard to any decision we might make, we can make a decision without initially having regard to what it has done. However, the decision we make cannot be given effect because it is a joint committee and it requires a similar decision of both Houses. Therefore, we are in a procedural logjam out of which we cannot get within the timescales available to us.

Deputy Adams is entitled to move his amendment to the motion. He proposed it and Deputy Ó Caoláin seconded it. I will put it to the House now.

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