Michael McNamara (Clare, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I wish to express my appreciation to the Minister for the spirit in which he has approached the Bill and the amendments he has made on Committee Stage and today, particularly amendment No. 25, which changed section 30 to introduce due process requirements.

My question is not rhetorical. I welcome the Minister's amendment, which greatly improves the section. The obvious intention of section 49 is that notices may be issued to keep these matters out of court.

Subsection (2) as amended will read "An officer who receives a report under subsection (1), if he or she considers it appropriate, may serve on the person a notice in writing ...". Would it be appropriate to consult the person concerned or allow for representations from him or her? This may not be appropriate and I do not have a particular answer in mind when putting that question. I welcome the amendment.

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