Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I am sorry to hear that. I acknowledge that the Minister of State is reading out the response on behalf of the Minister.

The Minister and I discussed this. The clear understanding he gave me was not what the Minister of State has read out. My clear understanding was that we would discuss it and that it would be acknowledged and that I would withdraw the amendment to give the Minister time to bring in something that was checked. It is regrettable, having had that conversation with the Minister, Deputy Harris, that the position now being laid out is entirely to the contrary. The Minister of State is dismissing it on multiple grounds.

I was willing to withdraw it based on a conversation I had with the Minister. Clearly, that position has changed. As such, I am no longer willing to withdraw it and will press the amendment.