Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 12:

In page 19, subsection (7), line 14, to delete paragraph (a).

In the published Bill, the provisions dealing with an inquiry relating to impeachment of the President are set out in section 8. This group of amendments allows for the creation of a distinct provision in the Bill relating to the impeachment of the President pursuant to Article 12.10 of the Constitution. The amendment does not alter the approach in the Bill with regard to the types of statutory inquiry that may be conducted. They merely reposition and expand on the provisions dealing with an inquiry under Article 12.10 of the Constitution in light of the detailed and specific procedures that are outlined in that Article. I consider it preferable to reflect these procedures fully in the text of the Bill. The approach adopted aims to mirror the constitutional provisions. Unlike the impeachment processes for other constitutional officeholders, which are not prescribed, the impeachment process for the President is set out. I want to capture that in a standalone section and mirror what is in the Constitution.