Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am unsure whether it would be conducive to the House moving forward together if Opposition parties are going to start trying to force the pace on something. What we are trying to do - the Taoiseach has given great leadership on this - is recognise the fact that there are differences of opinion. These are deeply held and linked to people's personal circumstances and experience. Many in the House have strong views in respect of these issues in the context of the need to protect women in a more comprehensive way than we do today and in the context of the responsibilities we have towards children and unborn children.

The Government is trying to bring forward a proposal that can allow the people to make an informed decision about our Constitution and the consequences, that is, what the new realities will look like, if they decide to change the Constitution. This is complicated and not straightforward. It requires legal advice from the Attorney General and thoughtful, political debate that listens to everybody's perspective and tries to come up with an approach that all parties will be able to support in order that we can take party politics out of a very divisive difficult and emotive issue. That is what the Taoiseach is trying to give leadership on.

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