Brendan Ryan (Dublin Fingal, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I do need clarification from the Minister because he responded in general terms to the group of amendments. Before making a decision on pressing the amendment, I need clarification. The Minister suggested that amendment No. 11 is somehow stronger than amendment No. 10. I get the sense that the Minister would like me to withdraw my amendment in deference to amendment No. 11. If I am to do this, I need to understand fully what is going on and what is the Minister's thinking. If we are to compare the two amendments, the only difference is that my amendment refers to a class A fine on summary conviction and amendment No. 11 refers to a fine not exceeding €2,000. Amendment No. 10 does not seem to be massively different or weaker than amendment No. 11. In order to withdraw the amendment, I would have to accept the Minister's arguments, which I have not heard in specific terms.

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