Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

Senator Coffey used an important phrase, namely, "workable legislation". In general, workable legislation is good legislation and vice versa. I ask the Minister to reflect on the possibility of either accepting our amendment or drafting a similar amendment for Report Stage. In the context of the need to make an application within three months, we are operating in the dark to some extent. Such applications must contain "such other information as may be prescribed". We are not aware and cannot yet be advised as to what might constitute such other information.

Most people want there to be goodwill in respect of this legislation. If we are to drive the rogue traders out of business rather than underground, it is important that the legislation should work. In that context, the three-month period is somewhat short. The Minister may be in a position to present a convincing argument with regard to why a period of 12 months is too long. Various political parties experienced turmoil in the past two to three weeks. I am of the view that we should be able to progress legislation such as that before the House without becoming overly excited in a party-political sense.

If the Minister and his colleagues in government can assist in resolving the problems in Northern Ireland, surely it is not beyond us to come to a decision on whether three months or 12 months should be the appropriate period. I am sure there is an alternative somewhere between the two with which everyone would be comfortable. I ask the Minister to reflect on the position and to return to the matter on Report Stage.