Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

Speed is of the essence here, and there is a limited, stated, known objective, namely, to enact this Bill. I trust that the absence of compellability will not act as a barrier in this case. Therefore, the fact that the Minister, in his comprehensive legislation, will revisit the issue is acceptable to us. I cannot envisage circumstances where the absence of this section would impede the case that it is designed to address. I have no idea whether, having earlier made a distinction between juror and witness, one would necessarily have to follow that format in the enforcement procedures or whether one would apply graver judgment on a witness failing to conform to a summons than on a juror. However, that is but one question that the Minister has said will be addressed in the major Bill.

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