Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. I have taken on board and engaged in great detail with the industry, following my appointment, on the statutory instrument, and previous to that on their proposals and concerns around the SI that had been annulled by the Dáil. There were amendments that were given great consideration coming out of that as to whether they could be incorporated while ensuring that the SI being introduced met our obligations. They were teased out and examined in detail, taking on board legal advice. Coming out of that, some amendments were incorporated. The majority were not but that is not to say there was not tremendous examination given to that. Likewise, I have looked in detail at the appropriate approach here and taken significant legal advice because I want to ensure the system we introduce is not only fair to everyone, balanced and proportionate but that it works as well and meets our obligations as a member state, which we have to take seriously and which other member states have adopted. The EU Commission, because we do not have both systems in place - one is and the other is not - has imposed fines on us. It is important to ensure we have these systems in place. There has been strong consideration given to all aspects of this and that informs the approach being taken in this Bill.