Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)

Ní chuirfidh mé i gcoinne an mholta atá os ár gcomhair ach an fhadhb atá agam ná cosúil le gach rud a dhéantar a scríobh nó a phlé sa Teach seo faoi dheifir, nuair atá an reachtaíocht déanta, bíonn dabht i gcónaí ann nach bhfuil sí foirfe. Leasú simplí é seo nach bhfuil conspóideach ach tá an fhadhb sin againn.

The amendment is not contentious and I am not arguing against it. However, I make the point that this is another example of rushed legislation and that this problem should have been picked up previously. Given the time available to produce this change, that is a pity and calls into question whether there are other problems with the wording. We did not have enough time to prepare fully because of the rushed nature of the legislation. I hope there are no problems because this will be useful legislation and the change should allow us to ensure what is intended will happen.

There is probably much in the Constitution that is superfluous. Perhaps when the constitutional forum is held, we might examine the Constitution and write it in plain English and Irish in order that it will not be seen as complicated, archaic, negative or convoluted, which would make no sense to many.

I will not press the point but express this concern. I hope there are no other problems with the existing wording, given that this is the last Stage of the Bill which will soon be put to the people who I hope will accept it.

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