Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

I move amendment No. 1:

In page 13, line 14, to delete "SIGNED" and substitute "DONE".

This amendment proposes using the word, "done" instead of "signed". We have debated this point on Committee Stage. The convention uses the term, "Done at The Hague" on page 116 of the Bill. I reiterate that the convention is done and is then open for signature and it can be signed by any state at any time. Strictly speaking, it is not accurate to state that the convention was signed on 29 May 1993. The point is it is open for signature then but it is not signed at that point.

The Minister said that the common practice is to use the term, "signed" rather than "done" but my eminent legal adviser tells me that the term, "done at" is used in, among other legislation, the Aviation (Preclearance) Act 2008, the Harbours (Amendment) Act 2009, the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 and the Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) Act 2008, the Chemicals Act 2008.

This is not the most important amendment on this Stage considering the scope of the Bill but at the same time it is important to be accurate. I invite the Minister of State to reply.

See this speech in context