Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 1:

In page 5, line 19, to delete "not later than the end of the period of 5 years" and substitute "not later than the end of the period of 3 years".

Deputy Sean Fleming will recall that we engaged in a long debate on Committee Stage on foot of an amendment he tabled to section 2 in respect of what might constitute an appropriate timeframe within which a review of the legislation should be carried out. That was a very useful debate, particularly as we want to ensure there will be sufficient activity under the legislation to make a meaningful review worthwhile. I made a commitment to reflect further on the matter and, having done so, I submitted my own amendment. The Deputy will recognise that my amendment replicates the one he tabled on Committee Stage. It proposes that the legislation be reviewed within three years of its enactment and that such review be completed within a 12-month period. The review will provide the opportunity - consistent with Deputy Sean Fleming's amendment - to assess whether the legislation is working as intended by the Oireachtas. It will also allow to be proposed any reforms which might, in light of its actual operation, strengthen the legislation.

As I indicated on Committee Stage if there are any major issues emerging which demonstrate that the legislation is not meeting its objective in advance of the formal statutory reform it would of course be my intention to seek to address the matter through legislative change, as necessary. We are starting on a positive note and I have listened to the clear case the Deputy has made.

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