David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister said he would listen carefully to the points made, principally by Senator McDowell but supported by me, about the situation regarding the Attorney General. If that is not what the Minister is indicating, can he speak plainly as to why he believes a Report Stage amendment to the Bill concerning the role of the Attorney General is necessary, when it is quite clear that the Sinn Féin deal ensures Fine Gael has a majority in the Seanad? Can the Minister, or the Cathaoirleach, advise us as to our duties when reading a Bill on Committee Stage? How can it be that we could agree that a Bill is read on Committee Stage when we believe it is repugnant to the Constitution? When the question is put to the House that the Bill passes with or without amendment, how can we possibly pass it? If we believe strongly that the Bill is unconstitutional in various of its elements, how can we possibly pretend that it is not? I do not see how we can.I am looking for advice from the Acting Chairman and the Minister. I do not know how it is possible. I really do not.