Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I understand the Minister's point. It is a belt and braces measure because the chaps in Brussels are watching too much television and they know that nobody in Ireland obeys the law. We must ensure the Minister does. This confirms what Senator Regan has been saying over the last couple of days - I have been arguing against him but I have been incorrect - that we must shape up for Brussels and assure the European authorities we are doing this the right way. We can now point to the legislation and tell them that even if we wanted to break the law, we cannot. Incidentally, remember those words because my next amendment reflects precisely that view, although in a different context.

I will not press the amendment. I can understand that we are not trusted in Brussels and that we must be seen to be keeping the law and be able to point to it. I have no wish to lessen the strength of the Minister's hand when he goes there, but I will be amazed if Senator Regan does not have something to say. This confirms his worries all along that we still have to impress the Brussels crowd. The Minister is really feeding his paranoia on this issue.