Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

When we are debating a constitutional matter which leads to a referendum, the debate in the House should be on the issue itself. During the course of the Minister's speech, he referred to a Private Members' Bill tabled by Senator Quinn. He should have also referred to a Fine Gael Private Members' motion which called on the Government to ensure that if a referendum went ahead, it would not take place on 11 June. It was a week too late because it was the day the Government made the decision to hold the referendum on 11 June. It was a very mature, calm debate, full of reflection. That debate contrasted greatly with what I heard or tried to hear in the Dáil last week.