Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)

I also thank the Minister of State for the changes he has made. Obviously, it is good to note that some of the amendments, as proposed in this House, have been included.

The issue of human rights has again raised its head on foot of representations from various groups such as Amnesty International, FLAC, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, Frontline, Wheel, etc. They have all raised major concerns about this and some aspects of the Bill in relation to those charities that already have a human rights dimension to them. The fear is that this could cause concerns when sections of the Bill are reviewed in five years' time.

I also appeal to the Minister of State in this regard. Given the enormous implications for human rights, is it not feasible that something might be done to address this shortfall in the Bill? The perspective on this side of the House is that the Minister of State is open to change, given his approach to the legislation both in this House and in the Seanad. The freedom of debate on the Bill must be acknowledged. The Minister of State's officials were readily available to us and he demonstrated real transparency on the various amendments tabled by the Opposition and in trying to facilitate Members. However, the human rights aspect is the Bill's single shortfall. I ask him to consider amending it in that regard.

Among the representations we received was a proposal from the Law Society, which was circulated to the various organisations. There is, therefore, a general concern in this regard. It would be wonderful if this provision could be included, as it was in the original Bill. At that stage there was great relief that the Bill, as proposed, would eventually deliver what had been sought, since so many people had lobbied for a charities Bill for so long. The fact that this provision was included in the original draft was seen as the icing on the cake. In agreeing with the amendments being discussed, I want to raise this concern, and I am aware that Deputies Costello and Higgins also have major reservations about this aspect of the Bill.

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