Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

In some respects the amendment might seem like common sense but it is not normal wording. The wording as drafted is the standard drafting style and if it were changed it would be at variance with other similar references throughout the original principal Act. Generally, that is the normal language used in legislation that goes through the Parliamentary Counsel's office and therefore to insert the word "written" would be superfluous. All approvals of that kind are done in written form. In matters such as that described in the Act, the implication is that such consent would be given only in written form. Such is the nature of the interaction between relevant Departments. That is the way things happen. Two Ministers or Departments would not just approve something verbally. All business is done like that and that is the standard language in legislation.