Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy makes the fair point that there are different interpretations of the ECJ judgment across member states. That is the case. As we would be expected to do, we consulted the Government’s legal officer. We received advice and it was on that basis that the statutory instrument was devised. There has been no policy decision and there is certainly no policy intent to restrict access or limit it in any way.

I will engage further on this issue. I accept the Deputy’s point that the EU process will take time. That is the nature of how things work. The Deputy made the case that the Irish interpretation is extreme. It was based on the legal advice provided, but I will ask for it to be examined again because it is important that we be as transparent as possible and allow as much access as we can within the parameters of EU law and in a manner consistent with the ECJ judgment. I make that commitment to the Deputy.

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