Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I am happy to support both amendments tabled by Deputy Smith. This is part of a wider debate about prior warning we have had on a number of occasions. Amendment No. 1 is sensible in that, at the moment, the Bill requires the warning in writing and there could be other means of recording a warning. It future-proofs the legislation. I am happy to support the insertion of "by any other manner and in any such system as may be prescribed by the Minister in accordance with subsection (6)". It makes absolute sense for it not to have to be in writing. It can be way of technology or any other way. It is sensible to provide for that.

Amendment No. 3 proposes a requirement to consult the Minister for Justice and then the Minister could by regulation prescribe a system. If there are more efficient or secure ways of issuing a warning, it could be done by regulation. We would not have to go back to primary legislation. Both of the amendments make absolute sense and I hope the Minister will support them.

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