Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

I move amendment No. 6:

In page 14, between lines 2 and 3, to insert the following:

3.—For the purposes of this Act, a reference to the presence of any person in the State or co-habitation in the State shall include presence or co-habitation while abroad in the service of the State.".

I have had direct contact with officers of the State who are working on missions abroad, including members of the diplomatic corps and military personnel posted abroad, to whom these provisions should apply. These are real people in real circumstances. They have indicated to me their concern that they may not be able to meet the requirements of the legislation by virtue of their obligation as part of their duties to have a residence abroad. We allow such personnel to participate fully in our democratic process because they are fully part of the State. Their domicile, although physically in another jurisdiction, remains in this State. Their allegiance is to the State, they are servants of the State and, as such, they should be entitled to avail of the provisions of this important enactment. It may have been an oversight that we did not include this provision earlier. I hope the Minister will respect those who serve the State on foreign missions by ensuring they are encompassed within and embraced by the provisions of this legislation.

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