Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Obviously when the Bill was being drafted, careful policy consideration was given to all aspects of the development of the legislation, including this aspect but, obviously, the conclusion was that this would be an issue in the sense that because we do not have statutory provision relating to consummation there is no need to make an equivalent exception. That was the policy decision arrived at and as there is separation of powers, the point I am making is that the courts, in any individual case should it arise, will make their decision.