Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent)

I thank the Minister of State for coming before the House. I second the amendment and plead with the Minister of State to at least go back on it, although I know the Minister has taken legal advice. When I spoke on this issue on 20 October, I pleaded for us to take this agency directive very seriously. However, there is no point in looking back now. We know how fortunate is the United Kingdom in seeking a 12 week derogation. I am a business person who was parachuted into the House. While I am not a legal person, I am thinking about all other businesses, as this is super-complicated, convoluted legal stuff. Senator Lorraine Higgins is a legal person, but business people will not understand this legislation. If we have to implement it retrospectively from 5 December, there will soon be one hell of a mess for the business people of Ireland. It is about jobs, jobs and jobs. There has been nothing but job losses. Will the Minister of State look again to see if anything can be done?