Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Senator Barrett's amendment is being debated.

At least it goes some way towards meeting the requirements that I would have had. I intend to ask Senator Barrett not to push for that today because I am going to see if there is a way I can reintroduce a wording similar to what I have in my amendment for a constitutional referendum. I will deal with the Cathaoirleach's office and some of the experienced people around this House to assist me in that regard.

Senator Cullinane asked a couple of questions to which I, too, would like an answer. Will the Minister remove section 2 and initiate a referendum? I would like to know the advice of the Attorney General and I would like to know what the Department officials advised. Will the Minister publish those advices?

Every time I see something like this I think of the grey beards, the Sir Humphreys, somewhere in the background, dictating how things are being done. They do not have to put themselves before the people as the Minister will, and he will answer for this Bill-----