Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

Amendments Nos. 13 and 18 would have the effect of deleting the provision that an account information or account monitoring order made with regard to criminal investigations in the State or in a member state of the European Union would have effect as if they were orders of the District Court. The effect of the acceptance of amendment No. 26 would be to delete the reference to an order made for the freezing of evidence to have effect as if it were an order of the High Court. I am consulting the Attorney General on this issue but it appears unlikely that I will be able to accept the proposed amendments. A judge making orders of the nature referred to will need the backing of the court to deal with issues relating to contempt of court and so forth. If, following consideration by the Attorney General, the amendments are necessary, whether along the lines of the Senator's amendments or with other changes, I will table them on Report Stage.