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

I move amendment No. 4:

In page 11, between lines 23 and 24, to insert the following:

"10.—The repeal or retention of a statute under this Act shall not, in any way, be relied upon as a basis for establishing that that statute or those statutes ever actually applied in Ireland.".

My colleague, Deputy Kehoe, had a view in regard to these provisions which he presented on Committee Stage. He thought the Bill would be improved by their inclusion. The amendments are along similar lines. The Minister and his officials have had an opportunity to consider and reconsider the point very cogently made by my colleague on Committee Stage. I am very much in the hands of the Minister and his officials as to whether he accepts the points made are valid. To a degree, they are of a technical nature. The position of Fine Gael is to ensure the Bill is in the best shape possible. I will be guided on this issue by the Minister and his officials.

See this speech in context