Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I appreciate the Minister of State's acceptance of amendment No. 16. Amendments Nos. 21 and 24 set out the position explicitly in a readily understandable manner rather than trying to apply different provisions of the Bill in the circumstances in question. The advantage of that, in the context of the types of court cases I have in mind, is that it would provide a simple and direct provision for the Courts Service and the judges hearing them to know how this matter would be dealt with and the Minister's approach. I appreciate that the Minister would generally comply with court orders, but as we are enacting passport legislation, we need to comprehensively deal with these issues.

The other two amendments would provide greater certainty and more comprehensive cover in this area than is already provided in the Bill. I appreciate that the Minister of State accepts amendment No. 16. If he will not accept the other amendments, I ask that he give them further consideration for the purpose of the debate on the Bill in the Seanad.

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