Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

I can confirm that there is a precedent in this case. The Bill is a temporary and remedial measure to get us over some of the practical difficulties posed by the suspension. It serves its purpose and will allow the North-South bodies to continue to operate in a meaningful way pending the restoration of the institutions in the North and full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, which remains the will of the overwhelming majority of the people. There is a precedent, therefore, for this course of action.

Question put and agreed to.

Sections 3 and 4 agreed to.

SECTION 5.

Question proposed: "That section 5 stand part of the Bill."