Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

I intend to commence the Act as soon as I have put in place the regulations, which we are now working on, concerning the formalities of proving residence in Northern Ireland. Once the President has signed the Bill and I have the regulatory machinery in place, I will commence the Act, sooner rather than later.

I commend the Senator for his wisdom and circumspection in withdrawing this particular amendment. I do not know if the record shows it but, in the Lower House, Deputy Costello ran into a barrage and was on the ropes because the amendment carried with it extraordinary connotations.