Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

I accept the Deputy's criticisms but I regard the matter as one of great urgency to bring the matter to a conclusion. The 1992 Act made the introduction of this material contingent on the availability of the person for cross-examination. It is not an alternative to cross-examination if an absolute precondition of the introduction of such evidence is that the person can be cross-examined later. Nonetheless, it is a good idea.

See this speech in context