Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

This amendment is unnecessary as its inclusion would have the same effect as the existing subsection. The Attorney General has signed off on this subsection as included in the Bill, and the amendment proposed is unnecessary and would not change the meaning of the subsection.

Amendment No. 8 could have the effect of undermining the provisions of the Bill which seeks to protect the State from having to refund moneys which could go back to 1976. This could have a very significant impact on the finances of the State and its ability to provide public services across the board, as well as the health services. This is a key aspect of the Bill and I am satisfied that the subsection as drafted is the best possible way to address this requirement which is vital to preserve the resources available to the Exchequer and is in the interests of the taxpayer. The subsection as drafted is the best way to protect the State and the only financially responsible way to proceed in this situation. I cannot accept this amendment.