Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

I support the amendment. It is somewhat like the amendment that the Government has introduced on the judge issuing a warrant where the word "may" has been changed to "shall". This is inviting the judge to sit on his or her hands. It is not a question of limiting the judge's discretion, but it means he or she has to deal with the matter. The phrase "may deal with the matter as if it were", is not satisfactory. The amendment, as proposed, adds clarity to the formulation and the drafting.