Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy for tabling the amendments. As they have been grouped together, I will speak, first, to amendment No. 5 because it flows directly from section 2. The Office of the Parliamentary Counsel does not believe the amendment would necessarily add any additional layer of protection to the legislation. Section 3 is clear that if the amount were to be increased by way of a review or in any other circumstance, another Act would be required. The Deputy has expressed concerns about Oireachtas oversight and interpretation. It is not considered good drafting to include the amendment as it would create an unnecessary complication to have to specify everything in legislation. However, if he were to press the amendment, the Government could accept it.