John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

I accept the logic behind Senator Regan's amendment but we are primarily concentrating on amending the relevant portions of the 1940 Act, rather than the 1926 Act to which he referred. I do not intend accepting the amendment at the moment but the matter will be examined as part of the ongoing Law Reform Commission's review.

Senator Regan made a point, which I intend to pursue, on the court ruling of 18 June. I will examine the specifics to ascertain if the legislation we are passing is sufficient without having to make an amendment. If an amendment is required I will arrange to introduce it on Committee Stage of the Bill in the Dáil. I would envisage the broader issue being addressed as part of a greater review of the legislation, but the detail to ensure that the legislation we are passing conforms with what was required by the ruling will be dealt with and, if necessary, an amendment will be brought forward on Committee Stage in the Dáil.