Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have listened to Opposition Deputies on many occasions through this process. We have taken suggestions from them and I will do so, where I can. However, if we look at the language the Deputies are trying to introduce, the word “compatible” is subjective. It is the same with “full public consultation”. It leaves everything open to legal challenge down the road because there is ambiguity surrounding the language and it is too subjective. We are trying to put the most robust, technically best legislation together on the best advice. I cannot concede on that point. However, I have demonstrated through the committee hearings that where I can yield and where I think it is a valuable contribution, which the majority of contributions are, to be fair to the Opposition, we will work with them. However, I cannot in this instance because it is too subjective.