Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. Unfortunately, I am unable to show the same vigour as my colleagues in support of the Bill. Sinn Féin has raised concerns that the Bill unpicks the Good Friday Agreement and dilutes the measures introduced under the Agreement. We continue to be concerned that the Bill marks a stepping back from the commitments given under the Good Friday Agreement. We hope the Government will advance these commitments and a number of outstanding issues arising from them. That is not, however, the issue being addressed in the amendment, which I support.

I welcome the manner in which the Minister has handled the amendment. This is not an experience with which we are familiar in dealing with previous justice Bills. Many Ministers could learn from the Minister's constructive decision to accept the points being made by Senator Zappone and others on Committee Stage. While that is welcome, I am disappointed my amendment has been ruled out of order and the Minister was not in a position to take on board our opinions. Perhaps we will have our day when we introduce other constructive amendments on justice Bills. In supporting the amendment we are, however, disappointed with the Bill overall for the reasons I have outlined.