Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

This is a small but important matter. It was once argued in this House that it was understood that the word "man" encompassed women as well as men and that, therefore, it was not necessary to include the word "woman". Such an argument would not be accepted today. We now live in a different society in which not everyone swears on oath. In the same way as we use "he or she", it should be normal parlance to use "oath or affirmation". This is the nature of the new society in which we live. The notion that affirmation is captured by the word "oath" is not acceptable to many people. I ask the Minister of State to reflect on this and possibly make an executive decision to accept this amendment because it does not damage the Bill.

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