Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

No, I think Senator McDowell's motives are quite clear. Of course he is entitled to make comment for whatever length of time he deems fit on the legislation. Whether he regards it as important or otherwise is immaterial to me. I will point out, however, that there is an exception in respect of section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act because it was deemed to be of such a lower order as not necessary of being covered under the international convention. Offences under sections 3, 4, 5, 9 and 10 are covered, having regard to their seriousness and to the application of the extraterritorial jurisdiction.