Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for their support and acknowledge their contributions. To respond to Deputy Bríd Smith, the changing of the numerical order is merely to facilitate the amendment. The amendment, as passed by the Seanad, is being incorporated into this legislation. It is merely for ease of reading that the order of the paragraphs has been changed. I felt in the Seanad that the amendment was unnecessary and I still feel that way but I acknowledge the will and wishes of the Seanadóirí when the matter was voted upon. In that context, I am following to the letter the wishes of Seanad Éireann by not opposing the amendment on this Stage. I assure Deputy Bríd Smith that the correction I propose to the text of the Bill is based on the amendment having been made by the Seanad. I am not in any way interfering with the subject matter of the amendment in such a way as to impact on the wording, other than to accept the Seanad amendment, notwithstanding the reservations I expressed on the evening in question.

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