Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

In defence of the Taoiseach, the Opposition has entirely failed to demonstrate that there is, in terms of practical end effect, a difference between "relate to" and "contain". The superiority of the word "contain" is that it is legally precise. We should not, in this case, keep language in legislation which is ambiguous and ambivalent. Whether it is "relate to" or "contain", the officer concerned must make a judgment. I doubt if in practice, whether either word is in use, it will make much difference, except in this respect, that "relate to" is ambiguous and could raise uncertainty. It is capable of a potentially wide definition, including stuff which is semi-irrelevant to it. In terms of precision, "contain" is much the better word.