I want to ask about the citizens' assembly that is envisaged. I understand that, in the first instance, it will deal with the eighth amendment. Many of us wonder about the fact that yet another mechanism has been produced for more debate but also a further delay in dealing with what is a very urgent issue. Why are elected representatives excluded from the assembly? Will the Oireachtas have an opportunity to amend that course of action and have a structure similar to that of the Convention on the Constitution which was Thirty-two Counties in scope and involved representatives from the Oireachtas and the Assembly? What other issues does the Tánaiste envisage being involved? This or a similar mechanism might prove to be an ideal space in which to consider many of the Ireland-wide issues that arise in respect of Brexit and the vote in the North to remain.

As the Deputy will know, the Taoiseach has outlined the importance of the citizens' assembly as an opportunity to have a broadly based discussion on the eighth amendment. It is intended that it will be put together as quickly as possible and that the first topic for discussion will be the eighth amendment. The composition has been made known, as the Deputy said. It is a citizens' assembly, but it is intended that the findings will be brought back to the Government and the Dáil for detailed discussion. It will be to a committee in the first instance. It provides a unique opportunity to engage in discussion on this very delicate and difficult subject, which the previous Government had started to address with the protection of life during pregnancy legislation. At the Cabinet today the necessary Bill was agreed to in order to enable the selection of members of the assembly to proceed. I have no doubt that there will be a range of contacts with politicians during the period of the assembly. The details are yet to be worked out, but there will be an opportunity in this House to engage in discussion on that contact.