Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As legislators, we cannot say on the one hand that we want people to do deals with banks and, on the other, say that because people did a deal with the bank, we will exclude them from civic responsibilities. The Government cannot have it both ways and that is our point. If there is no change on this issue, as a point of principle we will vote against the legislation because we believe it is legally and morally wrong. From speaking to individuals outside the Oireachtas, I expect the issue will be challenged.

I urge the Minister of State to save the State some money by ensuring the proper advice is sought and received from the Attorney General. If that is not done, I propose this matter be deferred to a further day until that advice has been sought and read out in the House. The advice of a parliamentary draftsman may have been given in good faith, but the draftsman in the Department is not the Attorney General.