Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

-----there is a greater onus on the person because of the use of the word "opinion" rather than "suspicion". That leaves aside the fact that as far as we on this side of the House are concerned, the word "opinion" includes "suspicion". I will look at this again and consider whether it is possible to define "opinion". I do not believe one can but we will ask the Office of the Attorney General. I do not believe that adding the word "suspicion" will advance or broaden this in any way. If one were to include the word "suspicion", one would probably have to look to other similar words to see whether they, too, should be included. Where would one end up? The use of the word "opinion" is recognised in courts by the Judiciary and it is fully understood what it is intended to mean in particular instances. I do not see how this argument can advance. It may very well even suggest there is a differentiation between opinion and suspicion whereas, as far as we are concerned, there is not.