David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I was told amendment No. 4 had been ruled out of order. Amendment No. 7 is not out of order, but I shall argue the point when the time comes.

The word "difficulty" could mean anything and gives the Minister latitude that is too wide. The Minister might be blunt, but he is trustworthy and I doubt I would have huge difficulties with him in this area. However, one never knows what or who is coming down the line. Therefore, substituting "insuperable problem or problems" for "difficulty" would provide a higher and better provision. If the word "difficulty" remains, difficulties are there to be confronted, not to be swept under the carpet, as Lord Denning liked to do. The word "difficulty" gives the Minister a large sweeping or yard brush, but I would prefer to see him with a little dustpan and brush. Perhaps that should be the other way round and I am mixing my metaphor. It would be useful to say there was this provision if there was an insuperable problem or problems, rather than just a difficulty, because a difficulty could mean anything. This change would not affect the Bill in any way, but it would mean that there could be no tricking around with the issue for no reason.