Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Hanafin, for attending and for the way in which she has dealt fully and honestly with the questions that can be answered at this stage. There are many questions which I suspect will be answered elsewhere. We have a very specific role in this matter under Article 35.4 of the Constitution. The approach taken by all sides, which was, by and large, on the basis of consensus, represents the way to proceed. It may well follow that additional legislation will be necessary as the matter progresses. Therefore, I encourage the Government to continue consulting the Opposition fully, as it has done, and to apprise it of all the facts of which it becomes aware. It is very important that we continue to work through this issue on a cross-party basis.