Alex White (Labour)

I do not have a difficulty with the amendment. However, there was a debate on Second Stage in this House on the views put forward by FLAC, as referred to by the Minister of State. That organisation took a different view as to the likely effect of the proposed change. There appears to have been a difference of viewpoint as to what the real effect would be. I raised the question — as did Senator Regan and others — as to whether the Minister had taken the opportunity to listen to the views put forward by FLAC, and he said he had. However, the Minister of State should know that FLAC appeared not to accept that its views had been taken on board. It might be a matter of opinion or judgment as to whether they have, but the Minister of State states fairly, just as his colleague the Minister said on the last occasion, that the intent of the change was essentially in ease of persons likely to seek legal aid in these circumstances, rather than representing any restriction on that. I have not had the opportunity to hear further soundings on the issue from FLAC because Committee Stage came upon me fairly quickly. That happens to us all but there will be a further opportunity to do so. I am not opposing the Minister of State's change from "severe" to "undue" because it makes sense but I will revisit the issue on Report Stage, as I would do in any event, if on the basis of further soundings I find there are some issues raised by FLAC.