Michael Kitt (Fianna Fail)

The amendment under discussion proposes to extend the implementation date to 2009. The previous Minister was criticised for failing to abolish the dual mandate in 1999 and it is very cynical to propose that it be put off again. One is either in favour of abolishing the dual mandate or one is not. Most parties were in favour of doing so in 1999 when the previous Minister was criticised for failing to secure Dáil approval for the proposal. The amendment is limited but the debate has been wide-ranging. It would be cynical to defer the matter again.