Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

The Minister has agreed with my point that the introduction of provisions of this nature by the Government and its predecessor has become a trend in recent years. The intention behind such provisions is to limit people's rights under the law, a move for which there is no justification. The Minister has quoted a few examples of this form of provision but that does not provide a justification or a rationale for it. I do not see why a person should have to seek the approval of the High Court to take his or her case to the Supreme Court. It seems that an important principle is at stake. People's rights under the law have been restricted in legislation passed in recent times. I do not think it constitutes good practice.

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