Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for Justice, Deputy McDowell, and the other Senators for the debate. No one is suggesting that the people to be appointed are not entirely independent or that they will be under the ownership of a government or a Department. It is important however that there is a degree of consistency in respect of any body of law we put in place in this House or the Lower House when it comes to privileges. I am minded to withdraw the amendment on the basis that the Minister has informed me that the procedure outlined in section 5 is similar to that outlined for the Commission on Decommissioning and the Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains. It is logical that there should be some consistency on the issues in all three commissions, but we should never sacrifice certainty for brevity. While the legislation is brief and to the point, usefully so in many ways, it is important that these principles are set out in legislation. Regarding the issue of evidence being sought in this jurisdiction as against another jurisdiction, we all have to comply with the basic rules of law. It would be useful for all bodies to do so. In view of what the Minister has said in terms of the other two bodies, I withdraw the amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Section 5 agreed to.

SECTION 6.