Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)

It is the most important section and the amendments to it are also important. I support the section, as the situation evident in recent cases in which witnesses suffered from amnesia must be confronted. The Minister has taken on board the beneficial and detailed debate on Committee Stage. While the amendments he proposes seem technical, they improve the section. In fact, one amendment coincides exactly with one of Deputy Howlin's amendments, which reinforces the view. The Minister's proposed amendments would improve the section and I am prepared to accept them and approve the section as amended.

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