Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That was to ensure the position would be stronger. I am trying to make the number as small as possible because I agree with the spirit of what people are looking for. However, my advice is that we should not go below ten. Deputy Barry Cowen has asked me to look at this issue again in the new year. I will be happy to do so. If we can do something, we will look at how we can do it. However, it would be very foolish not to follow the legal advice to the Government on the issue, which is the reason I propose that the figure be ten.

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