Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I apologise to the Leas-Chathaoirleach but I need to underscore the following point. All of this has happened at a time when democracy must be re-enforced and when everyone acknowledges that the European project is under threat. Those of us who are passionate about the European project and democracy must assert and show the citizens of Europe that checks and balances are in place and that we take our role seriously. The Government chose to ignore the democratic decision of the Seanad. The Government must now not bypass the proper democratic and legal process at European Union level. These decisions are political and responsibility must be taken.