Seanad debates
Wednesday, 26 February 2003
Local Government Bill 2003: Second Stage.
As the Minister is aware, I have some difficulties with the Bill because I have a direct connection with some of the issues that arise. The Government and the Office of the Attorney General have given their approval and the Bill is now before the House, so Fine Gael's amendment is rather unusual. The amendment prejudges the Bill before it has been passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas and sent to the President for signing. The President may decide to refer it to the Council of State, which may, in turn, refer it to the Supreme Court. It is also open to any individual to bring the Bill before the court, so there are many opportunities for people to challenge its validity. The Minister would not bring the Bill before the House if he did not have the full support of the Attorney General and the Cabinet.
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