Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 7:

In page 22, to delete lines 46 to 49, in page 23, to delete lines 1 to 43 and in page 24 to delete lines 1 to 3 and substitute the following:

"36.–(1) Where a person being the applicant for or the holder of a licence is–

(a) convicted on indictment of any offence, or

(b) convicted summarily of an offence and sentenced to a term of imprisonment,

the person is disqualified for holding a licence, and, accordingly, where the person is the holder of a licence, the licence stands revoked.

(2) Where a person being the applicant for or the holder of a licence is convicted summarily of an offence and where a fine only is imposed by the Courts, the person is disqualified for holding a licence for a period of 12 months, and, accordingly, where the person is the holder of a licence, the licence stands revoked for a period of 12 months.

(3) Subject to subsection (4), after the period of–

(a) 10 years in the case of being convicted on indictment of any offence, or

(b) 5 years in the case of being convicted summarily of an offence,".

We are concerned about the vagueness of the term "criminal background". It is very vague and could include a multitude of possibilities. It should be more clearly defined. Our amendment seeks to tighten up this area.