Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Although the Minister of State said it is unlikely, it could happen. We are enacting this legislation for the future. I do not accept it is unlikely to happen. For example, if representatives of NGOs were going abroad to speak at an international conference about child poverty, protecting children's rights or autism in Ireland, this Government, or a future one, might believe that is contrary to the common good and may restrict passports for such persons. While that is unlikely, it could happen.

It is not necessary to include such a phrase in the Bill which has such broad connotations, as Senator Ormonde stated. We are going a little too far. I would be one of the first to say we should protect our passport holders and so on and, in many ways, I have a similar opinion to Senator Quinn in this regard. However, this line is unnecessary. There is adequate protection in the other three areas specified in the Bill.