Brendan Ryan (Labour)

I do not accept the Minister's view on that. We are just asking that there be a specific requirement stating, "other than an outer garment save in the presence of and subject to the directions of an Irish law enforcement officer". I do not see the downside of including this. I do not understand the Minister's view that this provision, rather than amendment No. 4, would give the US side greater powers. All we are asking is that strip searching be precluded specifically.

With regard to amendment No. 4, the protection we require pertains to the functions of preclearance officers. The wording associated with the functions of Irish law enforcement officers is not used in respect of the functions of preclearance officers. All we are asking is that there be consistency in terms of the requirements in this regard in the relevant sections.

Amendment put.