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Dáil
‹ Order of Business

Disclosure of fatal foetal abnormalities advice

Summary

Deputies again demand the Attorney General’s full advice on the fatal foetal abnormalities Bill, arguing that all members who must vote should receive the same briefing. The Taoiseach says no briefing documents exist beyond confirmation that the Bill is unconstitutional.

In relation to the vote we have to take later on Deputy Clare Daly's Protection of Life in Pregnancy (Amendment) (Fatal Foetal Abnormalities) Bill 2013, the Taoiseach has just indicated that Labour Deputies are receiving a briefing.

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The Taoiseach did say a "briefing".

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He did not.

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

Sorry, Deputy Boyd Barrett.

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The Taoiseach said it to me.

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Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

One should not put words in my mouth.

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I ask out of respect for what goes on in this Chamber, in which we are to vote on a Bill of that level of seriousness. A briefing has been given to some Deputies in this House. it must contain argumentation. It does not merely state in one line that the Bill is unconstitutional. Is the Taoiseach seriously suggesting that is the advice? There must be argumentation in it dealing with the issues that have been raised.

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

This is the Order of Business.

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I am only asking whether Deputies who will be required to vote on this can be given the same briefing-----

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

They cannot at this stage.

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-----that the Taoiseach just admitted is being given to Labour Party Deputies.

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

Deputy Boyd Barrett has made his point.

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We were there. We did not get it.

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He was mistaken.

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