Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

The legislation is not to deal with any one individual. Clearly the position of one individual has occasioned a very considerable amount of research into how one proceeds in a matter of this type. The legislation is abstract and general in character and applies from its commencement. There is no commencement date for the legislation which will come into force in the ordinary way on signature by the President. There is no suggestion that this legislation relates to any one individual. It is permanent legislation which will provide that the Oireachtas in the proper performance of its functions will not commit this particular criminal offence. It is an exemption.