Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Yes, briefly. There was ambiguity in the Minister's response to me. She said that the Minister "could" notify the public, but it should state in the legislation that the Minister "shall" notify the public. It is not in it. It is not specific. It does not say anything about what the Minister "shall" do. I am not saying the Minister will not notify the public if this Bill becomes an Act after the recess, but it is still open to interpretation as to whether she has to do that. I would prefer that provision was in there that somebody would notify the public when this legislation is in place and when this draft code of ethics is in place, so that the public has a chance to influence it, change it or give their thoughts about it.