Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Subsection 139(8) states:

Where a person who made the material alteration request fails to comply with a requirement referred to in paragraph (b) of subsection (5) within such period as may be prescribed, the Commission may— (a) extend that period, where it considers it appropriate to do so, or

(b) treat the material alteration request as having been withdrawn.

Why is subsection (8)(a) there? What is the rationale for it? Does it not encourage non-compliance with subsection (5)(b)? Why have the time limits in subsection (5)(b) if there is then the potential get-out clause here?