Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senators for their contributions on this. I also thank the Senators who met and engaged with me privately. It was very constructive. While this is the formal setting, much hard work and discussion has been done elsewhere by many Senators on this legislation.

With no disrespect to the Senators who made points regarding later amendments, I will not address those points but the amendment before us. First, I do not propose to accept the amendment. Section 6 provides for the Minister to produce a report on the operation of the legislation on an annual basis. It is clearly important that the impact and effectiveness of this ground-breaking legislation be carefully assessed over time. Senator Norris referred to the rapid change that is occurring. Even since the day we started drafting the legislation, our understanding has changed quickly. My understanding and education on this issue have increased over the weeks and months as we examined the legislation in depth.

The proposal to provide for a review mechanism has merit and I will give it detailed consideration. I have spoken to the Tánaiste about it in detail and I will table an amendment to that effect on Report Stage. I have listened very carefully, and hopefully I will have the amendment prepared and circulated as quickly as possible.