Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)

I move amendment No. 7:

In page 38, between lines 14 and 15, to insert the following:

" "cohabitant" in relation to a person means a person cohabiting with the first-mentioned person as man and wife or in an equivalent same sex relationship;".

Amendment No. 7 represents an attempt to include a definition of "cohabitant" in the legislation. Chartered Accountants Ireland and Compliance Ireland have both pointed out that the Bill does not contain such a definition and that in its absence, the relevant section is unduly vague. This matter was discussed at length on Committee Stage. I recall the Minister of State, Deputy Barry Andrews, indicating at that point that the matter would be considered before Report Stage. Has the Minister considered dealing with the issue raised in our amendment in the meantime?

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