Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This is a liquorice allsorts type of Bill. Some of it is very straightforward but it covers the broadcasting Bill and legislation on personal injuries, firearms and international protection. It proposes reducing the years of experience required to be a member of the tribunal from five years to two. Having been someone who was two years out from being a qualified solicitor, I have concerns that this might cause difficulties in the long run as regards decision-making and potential judicial reviews. It is unwise to reduce the years of experience required to two. There are also concerns about superannuation and ministerial discretion.

There are widespread concerns and a feeling that it is unnecessary to include the amendment we are discussing at the moment, which deals with the complex issue of citizenship, in this miscellaneous provisions type Bill in such a rushed way and that it may be much wiser to withdraw the amendment and have proper debate on it rather than rushing it through. I have not been in this House for too long but I know that a great deal of debate on legislation is thrown in at a very late stage. However, unless there is going to be an election in September or October, there would be time to do that. I am slightly concerned that is the reason we are not having a proper debate about the citizenship requirements in particular. I have asked the Minister to consider not proceeding with that amendment. As I have said, some parts of the legislation are relatively straightforward while others are not and require further detailed debate and consultation. That is clearly the case with this amendment.

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