Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 1 to Seanad amendment No. 31:

In line 1, to delete “€750” and substitute “€1,500”.

I am sure Deputy Michael McGrath would like to speak to this as well as he has pressed the issue throughout the debate. This deals with the item of ceremonial importance. There was mention of "bazookas" when we debated what would be an appropriate amount for a valuation in this regard. In fairness, I appreciate that the Minister has come some way, although there may be many women out there very aggrieved at the valuation of €750. The amendment would increase this to €1,500, which is a more realistic valuation for the average engagement or wedding ring over the past decade. I have determined this from consultation with people about the matter. Will the Minister consider the matter further, although I appreciate that he has come some distance? Nevertheless, €750 is not a realistic valuation for the typical item of jewellery of ceremonial importance.

It is an important matter, although there has been a bit of fun with this in the media. We must complete a Bill that strikes a balance between satisfying those who are owed money and not humiliating those who are unfortunate enough not to be able to repay debts. To leave a provision for a person's wedding ring to be taken from that person as part of the process would lead to humiliation. We must get to a valuation that is more realistic in reflecting the average value out there and I argue that €1,500 is much closer to that than €750.

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