Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 4:

In page 9, subsection (1)(c), to delete line 8.

Will the Minister of State give examples of conduct that is, in the words used in the Bill, "contrary to the common good" which may lead to the refusal of a passport? I suggest the term "common good" covers a multitude of forms of conduct. It smacks of the approach that was adopted in the Soviet Union in the past and is being adopted in China at present. If people go abroad to criticise the State or the Government, will they be perceived as behaving in a manner that is contrary to the common good? Such a view is adopted in some countries. People in Burma-Myanmar are not allowed to travel abroad if there is a possibility they will criticise that country's Government. I hope such a measure will not be introduced in this country. What does the broad phrase "contrary to the common good" mean? I suggest that it be omitted from the Bill because it is not necessary.