Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senator for raising this issue. While the Government obviously would like to be flexible and accommodating in respect of this Bill, I have consulted the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and the advice I received stated the amendments are not to be accepted in the context of that office's drafting practice. While I would have had no difficulty in respect of this amendment, I have been advised that it would be ill judged to take on board the Senator's amendments, given they are not in accordance with the drafting practice of the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. Unfortunately, I cannot accommodate them.