Mary Henry (Independent)

I move amendment No. 12:

In page 6, between lines 37 and 38, to insert the following:

"7.–(1) A Minister in charge of a Bill in either House of the Oireachtas must before the Second Reading of the Bill:

(a) make a statement to the effect that in her or his view the provisions of the Bill are compatible with the Convention provisions (referred to in this section as a 'statement of compatibility'), or

(b) make a statement to the effect that although she or he is unable to make a statement of compatibility, the Government nevertheless wishes the House to proceed with the Bill.

(2) The statement must be in writing and be published in such a manner as the Minister considers appropriate.".

I thought this was a good idea because if one looks at the text of the Good Friday Agreement, it states the measures brought forward will ensure at least an equivalent level of protection of human rights as will pertain in Northern Ireland. This pertains in the legislation in Northern Ireland. I am only trying to be consistent with the Good Friday Agreement.