Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is a fact; it is well known. The advice from the Attorney General and others was withheld. These questions must be discussed. For example, shocking files obtained from the Department of Finance under freedom of information suggest that the wording of the amendment on care was deliberately chosen by the Government to avoid a concrete and mandatory obligation on the State. Imagine that the Government would do that to the most vulnerable people and their carers and treat them in such a fashion, by trying to undermine and sabotage them by putting such a wording in. These same people were then forced by the Government to canvass for a "Yes" vote. This made Family Carers Ireland seem ridiculous.

Even now, after the referendum is over, the Government is avoiding accountability in this House by avoiding the opportunity for debate. However, if the result had gone the other way, the Government would be dancing around Dublin Castle. None of the political leaders had the manners or respect to stay in Dublin Castle or any other count centre for the final result. The Government has got a lashing from the people. The Taoiseach has taken his accountability and run for the hills. I would appreciate it if the Tánaiste ran after him.

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