Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

-----that will be done. I do not expect it to be done, and consequently I have these reservations. We are now going into a referendum campaign on the issue, and I regret the fact that greater time has not been allocated to teasing out these issues within the Houses because they go to the root of how we wish to see society governed. At issue is the principle of the right of an individual to his or her reputation and good name, which should not be taken away for wrong or opportune reasons. I feel strongly about this, even though I fully concur with the principle of what the Government is trying to achieve.

I have great reservations about the amendment. I listened to the Minister's explanation, which gave us a legal insight into the difference between what is before us and what will be in the referendum. I would like to see the amendment going further. The precise nature of the issues that can be considered for inquiry by these Houses should be clearly prescribed, not just in legislation, which can be changed by these Houses, but within the wording of the amendment.