David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Once again I must strongly support Senator Barrett. He has dealt with the economic reasons and I will address myself to what I see as the political reasons. If these are not controlled it will not be only the Government that will introduce quantity licensing.

This is to try to prevent the authority, which lacks the weight or democratic impact of the Government, from making regulations that introduce quantity licensing.

The Minister of State said the Government will not introduce quantity licensing. He had made it clear that it is not Government policy. Nothing in Senator Barrett's amendment, therefore, comes into conflict with the stated policy the Minister of State has reiterated to the House. Senator Barrett's amendment merely restates a decision of the High Court, supported by the results of a judicial review and by what the Minister of State has told the House today is Government policy. I do not see there is any difficulty and I am at a loss to understand why the Minister of State cannot accept the amendment. Senator Barrett's position is clearly aligned with all of those elements and that makes for good government. I compliment him on producing the amendment.