Ivana Bacik

The Government imposed a guillotine last night to bring debate on the legislation to an end, despite protests from opposition politicians.

A number of senators, including former justice minister Senator Michael McDowell, insisted at the end of last night’s debate that the resulting bill is unconstitutional.

Senator Ivana Bacik, who put forward a number of amendments, said there “would not have been any need for a guillotine” if the Government had compromised with opposition senators.

She added: “The bill will have to go back to the Dáil in any event. The minister could be more disposed to accepting amendments […] which are sensible and which seek to support or facilitate a constitutional finding in respect of this legislation.

“Otherwise, it may well be the case that the President will see fit to refer the Bill under Article 26.”

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan rejected the constitutional issues raised, adding: “Great care was taken at all times in the course of the preparation and development of this Bill, including consultation with a number of Attorneys General. That has led us to where we are now.”