Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We have to be mindful of the impact. Somebody was quick off the mark, and rightly so because it important we learn about negative impacts on our SMEs. I had the opportunity to engage with Senator Black and Mr. O'Neill. I have a few questions for Mr. Liston on his statements, both the one members have in front of us and the one he made. What response does he have to the Attorney General's opinion that a Bill such as this, which would include services, would conflict with EU trade law? In Mr. Liston's legal opinion, and bearing in mind his legal expertise, does he believe Ireland has the legal sovereignty to enact this legislation independently of EU trade law?

I will address the risk of the Government passing a law that targets only goods, and not services, as is the case with the current Bill. We are waiting for the Attorney General's opinion. Senator Black stated she would like the committee to write to the Attorney General looking for that opinion to be delivered as soon as possible. We made that clear at yesterday's meeting. What would be the risks of passing this Bill without services and allowing services to continue unregulated? Would there be any impact?