Michael Ahern (Cork East, Fianna Fail)

Section 1 defines the term "the Principal Act" as meaning the Freedom of Information Act 1997. The term "the Principal Act" in the explanatory memorandum has the same meaning. This section is a standard provision in all legislation and I cannot accept the Senator's amendment.

Senator O'Meara should withdraw the accusation that we lied prior to the previous election. Indeed, when her own Leader's spin-doctor, Mr. Fergus Finlay, saw the Fianna Fáil manifesto he said it was a disgrace because it contained no promises.