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

I do not dismiss any lobby on this issue. The Oireachtas has established bodies such as the Irish Human Rights Commission which have a role and function in highlighting issues that may make us uncomfortable at times but need to be highlighted. I have spoken to genuine individuals from the Bar and Law Society who have highlighted genuine concerns, not least regarding this provision.

Due to the Minister's change of stance on the question of having further debate and the considerable improvements made to the original proposal, it may be that, with more time, the section could be further improved and made more finely focused and effective. For these reasons, I believe Deputy Howlin made a good point.

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