Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

I thank the Minister for his response to what he called genuine concerns raised on Committee Stage. The object of our amendments was to keep legal costs down by giving the Circuit Court a jurisdiction in cases of unlicensed activity. From the point of view of groups which would take it upon themselves to go to court in the event of unlicensed activity or in the event of concerns they might have about something that has happened in their community, it would be important that they be of the view that the courts are accessible to them, particularly in terms of costs. Given the Circuit Court jurisdiction in that regard, this amendment is extremely important and broadens the accessibility of the legislation. I commend the Minister on his response to the points raised on Committee Stage in that regard, which enhances the legislation considerably.