Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Politically, the new Department has been set up because of the difference between the two parties in Government and both have to be satisfied. It is unfortunate that we must formally insert an amendment for a dispute resolution mechanism between the two Ministers which is to be decided on by the Taoiseach - I presume he would consult the Tánaiste. It does not look the best that this dispute resolution mechanism must be stitched into the legislation. While the Minister may say it is a belt and braces approach, it raises questions as to why this is necessary in the calm light of day and why everything was not done thoroughly in the beginning. If it had been, we would not need the Taoiseach to have a dispute resolution mechanism between the two Ministers. I hope this section never has to be invoked. That is all I will say.

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