Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I tabled an amendment on this on Committee Stage. I cannot recall whether we put it to a vote, but the Minister gave a commitment that he would examine it. He has done that and introduced the necessary amendment, which I welcome.

Since then I received many representations from people who say that what the Minister of State proposes is unconstitutional. I want him to assure the House that he has received advice from the Attorney General that this is not unconstitutional and what he is doing is legal and cannot be open to challenge. I understand he cannot stop anybody from bringing the matter to the High Court and the Supreme Court, as the case may be.

Personally, I cannot be hypocritical. I welcome the amendment. For years people were concerned about this. The church itself was being ripped off. A church report found there were priests who were dead whose signature was being used on mass cards for which money was being collected. People were paying money to have a mass said and that was not happening.

I hope the Minister of State can confirm that he is quite satisfied with the advice that what he proposes is legal and is not open to challenge.

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