Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

I am grateful to the Senator for tabling the amendments, but having considered them, they are not necessary. Section 5(1) already deals in very clear terms with this matter, making it clear who the relevant authority in the sentencing state is, therefore there seems to be no advantage in attempting a definition of relevant authority in the interpretation section. The existing wording in section 5(1) is very clear and the amendment repeats that wording and puts it in the interpretation section. If the substantive section is clear on what it is talking about then it is unnecessary and redundant to repeat a definition in the interpretation section.