Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I did say earlier that I would be willing to talk this through and discuss it with the Deputy. I know what he is trying to do and I accept the principle and the link is there. In my view and that of the Department, it is very clearly dealt with in other legislation and there is a public record of donations. I see what the Deputy is saying. He wants to strengthen the link, make it very clear and make it easier for people to see that. I accept what he is trying to say. Originally, we would have felt that it was dealt fairly well in legislation, but I am prepared to discuss it with the Deputy before we complete the legislation. I would not be in a position to accept the amendment on the floor of this House but I have no problem discussing it with the Deputy and my officials before we finalise this because I know what he is trying to do and I agree with the principle of it. We just felt originally that it was dealt with sufficiently in legislation but I would be prepared to go through it again with the Deputy if need be. However, I will not accept the amendment on the floor of the House.

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