Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yes. I ask that the Cathaoirleach do that. This is very important legislation. I make no secret of the fact that at the outset of the debate, I will ask the Tánaiste to withdraw the Bill and pause the debate altogether. I have legal advice that I will share with him when he comes to the House indicating there are constitutional issues with the legislation.

We hear a lot of bad stuff about the Defence Forces. I want to put on the record the brave act of Sgt. John Ainsworth in Galway, who was driving by the Corrib when he saw a person fall into the water. John stopped his car, ran to the Corrib, dived in and saved the man while John’s son called the emergency services. We so often hear the bad side of the Defence Forces. Here is a good side that needs to be put into the public domain. People need to realise there are decent, hardworking and honest people working in the Defence Forces.

Finally, it is no secret that there is a case before the High Court seeking a judicial review of the deal to allow the RAF to fly over our skies. I am delighted to inform the House that I won my High Court battle yesterday to have that go to a full judicial review. We had six days in the High Court in all. In a 27-page, 91-paragraph judgment, Mr. Justice Cregan found in my favour. The State will probably appeal but at least it is the first volley in a long battle that has been going on for over two and a half years.