Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

If one views the section in its entirety, it is not about individual crimes, that is, one individual exploiting a child, but about group paedophilia. It is about obtaining, providing, etc., a child for the purpose of sexual exploitation in which money changes hands. The section refers to obtaining a child for himself, herself or another person and provides for a sentence "on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years". The amendment changed this by providing that such persons may be fined. The original text is clear and does not provide for the imposition of a fine or a term of imprisonment. I cannot understand the reason the provision is being diluted.

I was very reluctant to go down the road Senator Norris went down regarding Cliff Richard but I concur with everything he said. I am a great fan of Cliff Richard whom I have met and I believe what was done to him was outrageous. I did not want to go down this road because there is a case that is still unresolved and shows similar patterns much nearer to home. I refer to a person who has been accused in the public media without due process. My main focus in this matter is to ensure that what the Minister of State is doing in the matter of convictions is the right thing and will not in any way allow people to get off.