Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We had a very useful discussion on this important Bill when I was last here and that continued in the other House. I have reflected on many of the very positive suggestions made in the House and crafted amendments accordingly. We are dealing with group 1 and amendment No. 1 in particular, the text of which reads:

In page 5, line 19, "not later than the end of the period of 5 years" deleted and "not later than the end of the period of 3 years" substituted.

The shorter review period will provide an earlier opportunity to assess whether this vital legislation is working as intended and to propose any reforms needed to strengthen it in light of its operation.

An earlier review was proposed in this and the other House, so I have reflected upon that. I think three years is a more appropriate timeframe rather than the five years we originally proposed.