Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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I will not delay proceedings because I am happy with this Bill, by and large. However, on section 2, Articles 29.5.1° and 29.5.2° of the Constitution refer to the obligation to place orders before the Dáil. I am only saying this so it will be on the record. In respect of the placing of notices in Iris Oifigiúil or even the placing in the Oireachtas Library of agreements that might emerge, we might for the future consider including a requirement that extends the constitutional requirement such that there would be a possibility to discuss such documentation in the Houses. I am not pressing it on this occasion but simply making the point because I have seen the form of this Bill so often.

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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In section 8(1) the Table refers to the "Articles of Agreement of the Council of Europe Development Bank, the text of which is set out in Schedule 1 to this Act". The previous reference in this regard mentions such purposes as the development of open market policies and applying the principles of pluralism and democracy, of which we are all in favour. However, I would like the Minister of State to assure me this is not an imposition of a Single Market model to the exclusion of other development models that might apply.

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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No, absolutely not.

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Is the Minister of State saying it is not an imposition?

Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)
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Yes.

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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I thank the Minister of State.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Does the Deputy agree to section 8?

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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I cannot do anything about it.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Bill will be sent to the Seanad.