Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am going to make two contradictory comments. It is a bit unfair not to accept an amendment that strengthens and improves the legislation only because time is tight, so that is not a sufficient reason. However, I will engage with the Minister of State.

He understands the point I am trying to achieve and the purpose of this amendment. At the Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment, we have facilitated the waiving of pre-legislative scrutiny and the passage of Government legislation. I absolutely understand how important this legislation is and it is not my intention in any way, shape or form to delay it unnecessarily. However, we are only starting the debate and the Minister of State has said he is not accepting any amendments because it will delay the legislation, which I do not think is very fair given amendments have been put forward.

I am happy to engage with the Minister of State at a later date. I believe the social and cultural importance of a brand has to be recognised. Some things are bigger than just the name. Some things are iconic and are part of history, and part of our social fabric. The icons are important and the brand, of course, is important, but the social and cultural significance of some brands should not be overlooked, and certainly should not be overlooked just because time is tight. I know the Minister of State’s officials are present and that they have worked very hard to get this done. However, it is regrettable that amendments are not going to be accepted purely and simply because time is tight. That said, I am happy to engage with the Minister of State at a later stage to ensure we do our utmost to recognise the social and cultural importance of some brands.

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