Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to be back in the Chamber. The Second Stage debate on this legislation was very informative and I look forward to answering as best I can the points raised by Senators in this committee discussion.

Amendment No. 1 is a technical amendment which provides for the commencement of the legislation on enactment save in respect of any entities that are not subject to the Ombudsman Act 1980 immediately prior to such enactment. In respect of such bodies, the Act will commence on a date six months from the date of enactment or on such earlier date as the Minister may specify by order. The amendment will ensure there is a clear start-up date for the enactment of the provisions in the Bill.