Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

On Committee Stage we listened to what the Deputy had to say. We are still unsure that the amendments the Deputy proposes would have the effect he seeks. I suggest we should leave it for now and I guarantee we will consider the issue between now and the time the Bill goes to the Seanad. The inclusion of the first three of the Deputy's amendments would seem to obviate the necessity for the following three. We asked the draftsman of the legislation to consider what the Deputy was trying to achieve, based on what he said on Committee Stage. We feel it is just a matter of drafting technique and there is no need to change it. However, in view of what the Deputy has said, we will take another look at the issue. We are still not quite clear as to intent behind the Deputy's amendments.

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