David Norris (Independent)

I move amendment No. 1:

In page 3, lines 20 to 23, to delete subsection (2).

This amendment proposes to put a specific date on the Bill as there is a wide measure of ministerial discretion as to its commencement. I accept the good intentions of the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Peter Power. The Government has supported the Bill and I do not propose to waste time on this or any other amendment. I will not speak at great length on this because I have read the Minister's reply. He and his staff know I worked very closely with Deputy Michael D. Higgins in the Select Committee on Foreign Affairs and I discussed the amendments with him. I am, therefore, aware of the situation. I pay tribute to him and his adviser, Mr. Humphries, for framing these amendments. I feel very strongly about them. Deputy Higgins and me are at one on this but regarding this amendment I anticipate the Minister of State's reply and I do not propose to call a vote on it.