Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In light of the majority, not unanimous, Government decision on Monday last, 29 January, to hold a referendum to delete the eighth amendment, Article 40.3.3°, of the Constitution and replace it with a new amendment to allow the Oireachtas to introduce legislation to allow unlimited abortion up to 12 weeks, will the Leader schedule an early debate in the House in advance of the legislation? I did not participate in the earlier debates that took place in this House because I was awaiting the decision of the Government. That majority decision on Monday was to propose holding a referendum, subject to the decision of both Houses of the Oireachtas, and that the referendum be held in May.I felt the debate here was premature in advance of that information. I also wish to remind media outlets that any constitutional change would be recommended by a majority of votes in both the Dáil and the Seanad, not just in the Dáil. It might have been very convenient for the Government had it abolished Seanad Éireann but that was not the case. We have a decision to allow a referendum and, if it is so permitted and the decision is made by the people, it will be our task to bring forward, support or oppose the legislation arising from that decision. Particularly in television and radio, I notice constant mention of a decision by Dáil Éireann. It is not a decision by Dáil Éireann but by the Oireachtas under the Constitution. Seanad Éireann is a separate House and we will make that decision in due course with proper information. I am making no further comment in this House until either the legislation is brought forward or the Leader agrees to a calm and enlightened discussion arising from the decision on Monday and the Attorney General's recommendation. We might then discuss, in advance of the legislation, what the views will be here, particularly of Members who did not speak initially. I would extend that also to those who have already spoken without knowledge of what the Government's decision or the Attorney General's advice was going to be.