Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

As I pointed out when we debated this matter on Committee Stage, the amendment purports to remove any possibility that another provision in this Bill or another enactment might provide for a change in the status quo established under section 46 and enable alternative consultation requirements to apply. The amendment is not considered appropriate. On the contrary, it is considered reasonable to acknowledge that such a change could occur. The tightening of the provision as proposed could and would, in any event, be overruled at any stage by a future Act of the Oireachtas. In such circumstances, a danger of conflict between section 46 and the relevant new provision would arise and would necessitate a specific amendment to take section 46 into account. While I appreciate the intention of Senator Bannon's amendment, I consider it to be an unnecessary administrative exercise.