Fiach MacConghail (Independent)

The perception is a legitimate one because there is a gap in the legislation, which we have raised. I accept the Minister's acknowledgement of the spirit in which I put forward this amendment. Senator Keane also mentioned the spirit of it in a teacherly way, but I know she was not too critical of me and noted it was loosely worded or not appropriate.

This is about joined-up thinking and having joined-up Government. This is a highly appropriate way to work towards that. I offered the Minister the option to reword the amendment but it should included in the Bill and there is no reason it should not. I genuinely do not feel naive, as Senator Norris said, in putting this forward.

The Minister mentioned there are no penalties provided for in the amendment. It would be up to the Standards in Public Office Commission, SIPO, to include that. What I suggest, and I would be happy for-----