Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 3:

In page 6, to delete lines 12 to 14.

It is quite obvious that this will suffer the same fate as my previous amendment. As I explained on Committee Stage, the effect of section 4 as it stands would be to remove the requirement to lay regulations before the Houses of the Oireachtas in draft form. I have explained that by reference back to the principal Act of 1994, which provides that a draft of the regulation shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas and the regulation shall not be made until a resolution approving of the draft has been passed by each such House. I believe that is a very important provision and is as it should be.

As I recall, in his reply on Committee Stage, the Minister said that another provision, as yet not before us, would eliminate or make redundant such a requirement. I have no doubt he will explain this again in a moment. Regardless of what is to present, at this point that requirement exists. I believe it should remain unless and until a better methodology is presented and no such is offering in this Bill. We are simply being asked to remove a requirement for both Houses of the Oireachtas to have sight of the draft regulations. That should stand and Members of this House should be prepared to argue for and defend it. It is clearly not only in the interest of the Members of these Houses, bearing in mind our role and responsibility, but also in the wider public interest that the earliest scrutiny should take effect. I commend the amendment to the Minister.

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