Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

We have all heard of the appalling tragedy in Madrid this morning in which more than 80 people have been killed and many hundreds injured. I am sure I speak on behalf of all here in sending condolences to the Spanish Government and people on this terrible act of terrorism. The Spanish people have had to resist the forces of neo-nationalism, as have we and the British, for the past 30 years. It is the darker side of Europe and we as holders of the European Presidency and the Taoiseach in particular as President of the European Union should send our condolences and join with them in unity in opposing this terrorism. It will not defeat European democracy.

On a separate matter, the Government yesterday mooted a proposal to bring forward a constitutional referendum on the issue of protection for non-nationals who arrive here immediately prior to giving birth. Does the Leader agree that we should proceed with great caution on this matter? We have in the past tied ourselves in knots by amending our Constitution in ways that the Supreme Court has then changed and re-worked. The Government's haste in this matter is not wise. Yesterday, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform held initial consultations with the Opposition parties on this. Would the Leader, who has experience of working in various Departments over the past 20 years, agree that it is necessary to decouple this issue from the forthcoming local and European elections? We do not want a divisive debate simultaneous with elections for the European Parliament and local authorities. It would be wrong of the Government or any politician to foist such a debate on the people. We should proceed with caution, examine the Government's proposal and consider it in the context of all the facts.

I am alarmed to hear that the masters of the maternity hospitals who went to see the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform some time ago have said that he is misrepresenting and exaggerating what they said to him at that meeting. They did not seek a legislative change on this issue but spoke about the question of health and humanitarian provision. If we are to proceed with this debate let it be full and honest and not misrepresent what people say. We have caused problems for ourselves, particularly for example on the abortion issue, by making amendments to the Constitution which, we have regretted because they were unenforceable.