Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I restate for the record that, in principle, we are opposed to the Bill and have recorded our votes in that respect. What we are doing now, as per the Minister's words, is a consideration of the amendments put forward by the Seanad. Like Deputies Connolly and Funchion, we record our opposition to this scheme as currently constituted.

To return to an issue I raised previously in respect of access to legal services, I go back to the Minister's own words on Second Stage. He stated, "The Bill makes provision for applicants to be financially supported in obtaining legal services in two circumstances, namely, where an affidavit is required and where they wish to seek legal advice at the point of accepting a payment under the scheme and, thus, signing a legal waiver." That is clear. If the person does not wish to sign a legal waiver, their bona fides have been checked and they are deemed to be eligible for the scheme, will they now be excluded from the scheme?

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