Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I move amendment No. 90:

In page 57, subsection 6(a), line 16, after "oath" to insert "or affirmation".

I tabled this amendment in previous legislation. I was very intent on tabling the amendment in order to insert the words "or affirmation". As I explained previously, there are a whole host of reasons for tabling the amendment. For example, the oath might not have the same standing for someone who does not belong to a religion or believe in God as it would for others who have a faith or practise a religion. Given her advice from the Attorney General, the Minister's response will probably not favour the amendment. However, I must reiterate the case for differentiating between the two.

Our information is that the matter is not fully covered by the Interpretation Act. This is solid legal advice available to me and my back-up parliamentary research team. I am interested to hear the Minister's advice on whether the issue is covered by the Interpretation Act.