Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

This is a technical debate about what is practical in the circumstances. I argued on Committee Stage and I still argue that the form of words, "as soon as may be" is more appropriate as there might be circumstances where the Dáil might not be sitting for any period for a decision to be laid immediately before the Dáil. The normal phrase "as soon as may be" is understood to be an imperative to do it quickly. If the Dáil was in session it would be done as soon as practicable to lay it but one could ask whether the term “immediate” means that day or the next day. As soon as may be means as soon as is practicable to do so. The normal way in which that is stated in legislation is "as soon as may be". There is no intention to have any delay in that regard but that is the normal parliamentary phrase which means with great expedition.

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