James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. On a housekeeping note, Deputy Bríd Smith, who is online, has sent a message stating that she has tabled amendments but does not propose to move them on this Stage. Perhaps, there is some confusion on that; she may come in later with them. As Chairman, I meant amendments tabled as a member. As I am in the Chair or today's session, however, I do not propose to move my amendments because it would be difficult to do so for obvious reasons. The Vice Chairman has also tabled amendments so the same difficulty will apply to us to vacate the Chair and swap with the Vice Chairman for the purpose of the session.

I propose to simply mention and flag my amendments at the relevant times and we may return to them on Report Stage if the Department wishes to make an observation or engage on them again. I will not press them because I do not believe it would be appropriate to do so. Perhaps, the Minister wishes to make some opening remarks as well.