Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Parliamentary counsel was requested to set out penalties for offences in line with what is currently on the Statute Book. Careful consideration has gone into penalties under sections 175 and 178. As it is not reasonable or proportionate to impose severe penalties on minor offences, or indeed to set out disproportionate penalties in respect of more serious ones, I am not in a position to a accept these amendments. The Bill, as it stands, provides strong and dissuasive measures in relation to contraventions of its provision, while maintaining a reasonable and proportionate approach such as to retain public support.