Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes. All the points Senator McDowell raised are valid but they are issues that are more particular to the later sections rather than section 34. For ease of debate, it might be desirable that we proceed in accordance with the accepted practice of going through the Bill on a line-by-line basis. The points raised by Senator McDowell, although they are all valid, are more appropriate to a later discussion, with particular reference to an amendment Senator McDowell has submitted.

Dealing with Chapter 2 of Part 6, what we have here in section 34 is a technical amendment cross-referencing what is being inserted into section 33 by the Seanad. It is merely an appropriate, desirable and, dare I say, necessary drafting provision. I do not have anything further to say on the section but I acknowledge the importance of what Senator McDowell has said. He stated he is parting company with the Bill. I have been here for 42 hours. I did not see him in company with the Bill at any stage but under Chapter 2 he now indicates he is parting company with the Bill. I invite him to wait until we have an opportunity to discuss the substance of his amendments. I think I might be in a position to engage in interesting discourse on some of the points that Senator McDowell will make. I do not think they will be made today.

I will not be provoked into a response to Senator Craughwell. I do not think I could respond to him and remain within the rules of the Standing Orders of the House.