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

Like every Member of the Dáil, I am sure, I share the Taoiseach's wish that the debate be measured, informed, respectful and enlightening. That is our wish. For our part, we will do everything to set that tone. I appreciate the Taoiseach's comments in that regard. I appreciate that the Taoiseach does not want to make unforced errors or to rush but I have to put it to him that this subject has been marked in our political history not by urgency or rushing but by delay, prevarication and a lack of willingness to act decisively. We need to turn that corner too. I appreciate that the Attorney General has to do his job in a methodical and thoughtful fashion. I ask the Taoiseach again, however, to consider the timetabling with a sense of purpose and urgency. If the legislation can be published sooner than tomorrow, it should happen. Certainly, the debate ought to commence on Thursday. We need a full day's sitting on Friday.

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