Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I refer to comments on the McKenna judgment. While I agree the principle of fairness established in that judgment should be adhered to, that it is stifling debate is of concern. There are no two ways about it. Everyone feels relaxed about the potential result of the referendum because there is much support for it but it is important the matter is discussed and debated on the national airwaves and in the media. The relevant point is that the McKenna judgment is the purported reason debate is not occurring. No one is trying to use the McKenna judgment to suggest taxpayers' money should be used to advocate the "Yes" side more so than the "No" side but the McKenna judgment warrants discussion in the House. In this instance, because the referendum has so much support, the judgment is stifling debate.

There was hysteria regarding matters in Europe over the weekend and if matters had not been clarified in recent hours, Opposition Members would be the first on their feet to tell us how bad things are and how desperate it is that certain statements were made by the Chancellor of Germany. These negotiations are ongoing and nothing has been decided. Work is being done on the issue in Europe in a serious way and we need national unity on the matter. The game playing over the weekend highlights the fact that certain people in the media-----