Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The second point I wish to make is that, presumably based on his legal advice, the Tánaiste has stated this legislation is expected to be challenged in the courts. The courts will do what they wish if it is challenged, but they ordinarily give deference to the fact that the Houses have determined that legislation is proportionate. However, this House will be curtailed in its debate, not by a vote of the entire House, but by a reduced number of Deputies. The number of reasoned amendments that could be tabled was reduced by the Bill's timing, and even those amendments will not be reached, but we are expecting the courts to give deference to this flawed regime. We are sitting here at enormous expense so that Deputies can vote, yet all Deputies-----

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