Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for reading that explanation in the House. It was important to do so because group 6, in particular, dealt with some substantive changes to the Bill that were debated in the Dáil. I know there was some concern, particularly from the Irish Penal Reform Trust, regarding the fact that only one conviction can be spent. However, I accept that as the Minister said, there are significant exceptions to that rule. These are welcome and will undoubtedly assist many people. These are the exceptions pointed out by the Minister - that public order offences and most driving offences are exempted from the provision that only one conviction may be spent. I know there are some exceptions included in Schedule 1 regarding sexual offences. This is welcome, because like many colleagues I have received communications from individuals who are anxious to see this Bill enacted because it will give them greatly improved prospects for employment and rehabilitation.

I thank the Minister for raising these substantive points. I accept that most of the amendments we are dealing with today are technical and there to deal with the vetting legislation, but it was worth hearing the Minister's comments on the more substantive amendments and I thank her for them.