Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yes, but that is exactly the point. Let us say we are back here in eight months' time, if we do this now, we have to pause this Bill for eight months. That is exactly the point and I will not pause this Bill for eight months. We have to get this through. I know the Deputy is acting in good faith on this amendment. I accept her bona fides in this regard. I have read the amendment and I have been asking similar questions of my officials for some time because I want to move forward as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, the clear legal and official advice I have received is that legislating to allow a Minister to do it under regulations kicks off the same process. I think the Deputy has hit the nail on the head. We will be back here in six, seven or eight months' time and we cannot put these measures at risk in the meantime. We have to get on with this. The second legislative process has already started.