Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As initially published, the Bill made separate provision for the referral of complaints and disputes to early resolution or mediation. This distinction has not been maintained. Section 39 has been amended to cover the referral of complaints and disputes for resolution by mediation officer. Section 40 effectively replicates section 39 and is, therefore, rendered superfluous and unnecessary. This is a more streamlined and efficient arrangement from an internal operational perspective. No reduction in the scope of the complainants' and respondents' access to early intervention will result accordingly and for the foregoing reasons, it will be necessary to delete section 40.