Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I am very pleased that these amendments have been accepted and that the Minister of State has put them down in his name. The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin, had a serious problem with this matter on Committee Stage. Non-national is a derogatory term, but the Minister, Deputy Martin, had no understanding of that a number of weeks ago. I was quite embarrassed on Committee Stage, having put down all these amendments, to sense that the Minister was not in favour of turning. However, I am delighted that the Minister of State, who is far more broad-minded, has accepted them. Due to the harsh response I received on Committee Stage, I did not feel it appropriate to table the amendments on Report Stage, but I am glad that my colleague, Deputy Howlin, has provided the terminology that is more appropriate to the Bill.

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