Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support the amendment. I am concerned about this entire Bill, which I made clear on Second Stage. Deputies Jim O'Callaghan, Pa Daly and Paul Murphy alluded to it. There may be a wrong reason. There may be a situation where there is an argument, a fracas, or whatever, and somebody may say something after the fact, and they can be prosecuted. They would get a serious conviction that would stay with them. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan mentioned the spent convictions, but it would damage their prospects as regards garda vetting, employment and maybe travel abroad. I think we are using a sledgehammer to crack a chestnut.

There may be unintended consequences of this legislation and I appeal to the Minister of State to look at it in the Seanad if he is not going to look at it here, because it is fraught with danger. I have always said there is not enough substance in this legislation. It relies too much on the opinion of the garda, or whoever else. It does not have to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. It is very loose. The Minister, Deputy McEntee, was not for any change when we debated the Bill on Second Stage. I do not know how it got on on Committee Stage, but I am opposed to the legislation and I support this amendment.

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