Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. He is correct in saying there is unity of purpose in this House in respect of this Act. I would like to think I will have that advice within the next ten days. Any actions we take have to be based on very solid grounds. This has to be done robustly, rigorously and with due diligence. I do not believe in doing things on political instincts alone. It has always been our view that there are fundamental issues here as regards compliance with the European Convention on Human Rights; that is the bar. These are the issues on which we have to be properly advised by the Attorney General who has also secured additional advices on this. When I get the full legal advices from the Attorney General, I will then discuss this with the Taoiseach and with the wider Government. It would have to go to the Government if a decision was to be taken on a particular line of action following the legal advice. Those will be the procedures. Obviously, we will revert back to the House at a future date on this matter.

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