The Dail approved the Bill paving the way for the referendum on Cabinet confidentiality. Introducing the 17th Amendment of the Constitution (No 2) Bill, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, said the text of the proposed constitutional amendment provided that the absolute confidentiality which applied to government decisions would be relaxed in particular and exceptional circumstances.

He added that the desire of the beef tribunal to inquire into the proceedings of government meetings was precluded by a majority ruling of the Supreme Court. "The need for confidentiality in general affairs is fundamental to government and will not be disputed. Nonetheless there is a simultaneous consensus on the need to permit focused and structured inquiry, as necessary, in the public interest."