Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

The Chief Parliamentary Counsel's advice is that the proposed wording would not be normal in drafting legislation and does not provide for any additional clarification of the provision. However, the Chief Parliamentary Counsel also warned that it might have the effect of changing the meaning. I fear that is precisely what the Senator is trying to do in this case. Of course the whole meaning of the section is very clear. It is at the kernel of the Bill that the apology cannot be used as evidence of liability. That section is a pivot for the Bill. As Senator Norris is very ingeniously trying to remove that pivot, I cannot accept his amendment.