Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

This is a Seanad Bill which has been amended by the Dáil. In accordance with Standing Order 103 it is deemed to have passed its First, Second and Third Stages in the Seanad and is placed on the Order Paper for Report Stage. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Dermot Ahern, will explain the purpose of the amendments made by the Dáil and this is looked upon as the report of the Dáil amendments to the Seanad.

For the convenience of Senators, I have arranged for the printing and circulation to them of those amendments. Also, there are two amendments in the names of Senators Regan and Cummins to pages 26 and 27 of the Bill. The Minister will explain by way of five groupings the 31 amendments made by the Dáil. Senators make speak once on each grouping. With the agreement of the House, I propose to deal with Senator Regan's amendments under group 5 to which they are related. Is that agreed?