Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Senator McCarthy is quite right to say that we debated this at length on Committee Stage. Many of us may not check our e-mail on an absolutely hourly basis, but a hard copy will go out too. I could accept the point made by Senator McCarthy if a hard copy were not being sent out to those who would receive their correspondence via electronic mail. However, in the circumstances, it is difficult to accept the proposition that a significant modern Bill destined to bring old, 19th century legislation into the 21st century should intentionally exclude provision for the service of notices by the most modern means of communications available.

The Bill has been drafted against the backdrop of an ongoing and comprehensive programme of regulatory reform, the intention of which is to make legislation generally more accessible and facilitate the conduct of administrative affairs in the most efficient manner possible. It would be contrary to the spirit of that programme to prevent the service of notices under the Bill by the most modern and efficient means. The point of providing for the delivery of notices by electronic means is to facilitate efficient and speedy delivery. Where a person requests, that a notice be provided to him or her electronically, it would reflect badly on a modernised regulatory process if that request could not be facilitated. In short, if that is requested, it will be delivered and forwarded by electronic mail. However, a hard copy will also be issued. I hope this explanation is sufficient for Senator McCarthy at least to consider withdrawing the amendment. Without opening another debate, I can assure him there will be a verifiable paper audit trail.