Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I get no joy from telling Deputies what I cannot do. I would rather say what I can do. We are on Report Stage of what is lengthy and complex legislation. Deputies may be aware that the programme for Government includes legislation entitled the data retention Bill, which is not yet ready. I will look at Deputy Ó Laoghaire's amendments in that context. I know it is not ideal. I may have certain sympathies with the objectives of the amendments but in the circumstances I am unable to accept them. Maybe if I said to the Deputy we will look at it in the context of forthcoming legislation which is not too far away in terms of timeframes and scheduling, I could say that to the House by way of what I think is beneficial.

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