Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will take this opportunity to note the passing of our former colleague, Emmet Stagg. I worked with him when he was deputy Chief Whip in the 2011-2016 period. He was a fine man and did a lot to make sure that Government stayed together and got votes across the line. I extend my condolences to his family, party, supporters and friends.

On the issue of asylum seekers, there is to be a Private Members' motion on the matter this week so there will be an opportunity to discuss it there. My understanding is that there are now more than 100 international protection applicants in Crooksling, where they have access to toilets, showers, regular meals and other services. They also have access to healthcare services. Those are the services that are available until something more permanent can be found.

I reassure the House that Government business scheduled for this week will continue, as it should. There is a meeting of the European Council tomorrow and I will attend. Work goes on. We will discuss Gaza and, this afternoon, we are to have statements on the European Council meeting, which will give Members an opportunity to speak about that issue, if they so wish.

I will state once again that the Constitution is clear as to how our system works. The President is directly elected, the Taoiseach is elected by the Dáil and the Dáil is elected by the people. There will be an opportunity for a debate on the election of the Taoiseach and the Government in early course.

On the referendums, the results are clear.

The people have spoken. The Government accepts and respects the outcome of the referendums. I do not ever think that spending money on democracy, whether it is a referendum or an election for the Seanad, the Dáil-----

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