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

Let me try to be helpful to the House on the issue. What we are asking for is the Citizens' Assembly being given a little more time. It was due to finish up, but because of the bad weather, it was unable to hold hearings and make recommendations on a five-year fixed term for Parliament in Ireland. It was last due to meet in the middle of Storm Emma, but for obvious reasons - namely, safety reasons - people were not able to make the meeting. It has, therefore, asked for a few extra weeks until 27 April to do the work we have asked it to do. It would be extraordinary if we were to oppose this reasonable request, given the difficulties members of the Citizens' Assembly and the rest of the country faced in the extreme weather conditions.

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