Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 3:

In page 6, line 1, to delete “5 years” and substitute “3 years”.

I will speak on amendments Nos. 3 and 4 first. The published Bill provides a periodic review of this legislation. The first review of the operation of the Act will be one year of operation subsequent to commencement. There was some debate about this on Second Stage. I am proposing to reduce the second and subsequent review periods from five years as I set out originally to three-yearly intervals. This amendment was suggested by Deputies, including Deputy McDonald, on Second Stage and I am happy to accede to that suggestion.
This more frequent review will allow us to closely monitor the implementation of the legislation. As we build up knowledge of the operation of the provisions, we will be in a position to ensure that any issues arising are addressed more promptly. It will kill two birds with one stone because the first annual review is probably too short and a gap of five years beyond that would be too long. A three-year gap is about right. I hope that will be acceptable.
On amendment No. 5, the Bill as published requires the Minister to consult with SIPOC in conducting a review of this legislation and also to take account of any relevant report of a committee of the Houses of the Oireachtas. The amendment proposes that it will require consultation with people who carry out lobbying activities and bodies that represent them, along with any other person or bodies which the Minister considers appropriate in the course of the review. I believe that such consultation is appropriate and proper. These points were made on Second Stage.