Ms Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh:

It could also be good precedent. I will come back on that question. The good precedent and positive effects of Ireland passing legislation that is squarely in compliance with its obligations under the requirements set out under the ICJ advisory opinion are obviously significant. It would assist in ensuring that the opinions of the International Court of Justice and fundamental obligations in international law are adhered to. The flipside is that, if Ireland were to pass selective or restrictive legislation that did not fully comply with its obligations, that could have a very negative impact. It could be used by other states to say "this much but no more". It is not overstating the case to say that doing so could be extraordinarily harmful not only to the international legal order but to the very people and the very rights Ireland would be purporting to protect through this legislation. I therefore counsel the committee very strongly against that. We are at a stage when the fundamental precepts and structures of international law are under quite severe assault. For the Government to pass legislation that it does not believe to be fully compliant with its obligations would be deeply regrettable. However, the Government now has the opportunity to reinforce the principles of international law and to ensure they are upheld.