Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to speak to these amendments, which were put forward by Senator Ó Donnghaile, Senator Ruane and myself. Senator Ó Donnghaile regrets he cannot be here today and appreciates the Minister's engagement on them. The amendments are about the importance of a proportionality test. I acknowledge the engagement of the Minister and the Department in agreeing to reinsert that vital proportionality test in a number of sections. There are a couple of other sections in which I still believe a proportionality test should be inserted. We may have a divergence of opinion on that but I want to acknowledge that regarding these three amendments, and the previous amendment No. 20, which I did not get a chance to speak to, the Government has taken on board that feedback.