Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The comments of both Deputies are constructive and fair. As I tried to outline in my opening remarks, there are timing issues with this Bill, with the new Companies Act and the need to cross our t's and dot our i's to ensure cross-application takes place where necessary and a "copy and paste" takes place where it would be better. Consultation with the Attorney General on that has led to a significant number of amendments. However, I stress - as I did in my opening remarks - that these amendments, in the main, do not alter policy but rather spell out how this Bill will interact with the consolidated companies legislation. I thank both Deputies for their remarks in this regard.

I believe in the merits of the explanatory notes on amendments, as they lead to a more constructive debate. I will continue to advocate their use.

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