Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I cannot support this legislation but we can deal with that at the end. I have spoken to many people, particularly with respect to the events in Galway. I will not go into too much detail now other than to say I stand over everything I have said. I have given this serious consideration.

We should be clear as I am hearing mixed messages from people. I know what the people told me and what the women at the gates of Leinster House told me today. I know what the people from Galway want that I spoke to today. I am very clear about what they are asking. They are asking us not to support this legislation. I want to be clear, looking into the cameras today, and I know people are in their homes watching this. They asked something of us and of me. I can speak for myself. I will stand squarely with them. I will honour their request and I will support those people. I stand over that. It is important that I say this.

Will the Minister confirm he received legal advice on the confidential committee, as I presume he did? I do not expect the Minister to share the Attorney General's advice with me and I understand clearly the process. He advises the Government.I will make one prediction, however; there will be endless litigation against the State in respect of these matters. It is important that we know what we are talking about and that we are prepared. We cannot say we were not told. That is really important. To recap, people were given commitments and guarantees by arms of this State. The Minister is aware of this, as am I and most Members present. I presume the Minister has taken and heeded advice. Will he confirm that he has received advice on this point and that he is satisfied that everything is in order? I ask him to satisfy us as much as possible, although I appreciate the legalities involved. I am 100% clear about what people have asked me. In light of everything, I am comfortable and happy. As I said earlier, there is a balance to be struck and we have to show pragmatism. In light of all of that, I am happy to stand over this amendment to the Bill.