Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)

I welcome the Minister's amendments and I am willing to withdraw my amendment No. 17. It is noteworthy that the Minister is introducing, in amendment No. 19, a provision which allows for public consultation on a draft of the proposed safety framework where an invitation is made by the commission "by means of a notice to that effect published in a newspaper circulating within the State and published in the prescribed manner". This is a welcome change.

Following our discussion of this issue on Committee Stage, I commend the Minister on taking an open approach to the legislative process. I also welcome his decision to incorporate the timeframe, at least in part. On reflection, I accept that issues arise which require time to address. It is not my intention to set unreasonable time limits. The approach taken by the Minister is fine and I am happy to withdraw my amendment.

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