James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 29:

In page 94, to delete lines 17 to 28.

Although I am not happy with all of the Bill, it is likely it will be passed as it is a numbers game at the end of the day. This section effectively confers power on the Minister to unilaterally suspend or amend provisions of the Bill. As a legislator, I have difficulty with this as it goes against the idea behind our role in the House. If we are to permit this section, we need to make it very clear that it can only be used in exceptional circumstances. The Minister acknowledged the wording was weak and, having consulted with those with experience in these matters, I feel the amendments would strengthen the section and hope the Minister can accept them.