Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I agree with Senator Higgins's assessment. Effectively, for the first time in three days, the Government side is right about an argument. I happen to agree with what Senator Mansergh is saying. I said the same thing in 1997 when I considered that five years was too short a period and I still believe that to be the case. I support the amendment for the reasons given by Senator O'Meara, namely, that it gives a year to allow the Government to make a proper assessment without having to open up confidential records. This just means that we will return to it in a year. As many speakers and I said on Second Stage, the period should be a minimum of ten years. I am uncomfortable, however, in dealing with an aspect of the Bill about which Fianna Fáil and the Government side of the House generally are comfortable. I would like to have a vote on this amendment before moving on to the matters about which the Government side is excruciatingly embarrassed.

In yesterday's debate, the Minister of State quoted an authority – a woman whose name I do not recall – in support of some argument. Perhaps he could clarify who that person was.