Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am considering bringing forward an amendment to section 1 regarding the definition of judicial or other proceedings. One possible problem I see with the Bill is that it appears to define a proceeding as primarily involving the administration of justice and then states that this includes tribunals. A question might arise if this formula includes tribunals of inquiry, as well as decision-making tribunals. Senators will be aware that a tribunal of inquiry does not administer justice. It is concerned exclusively with the discovery of facts. Such a tribunal is a fact-finding exercise. We may consider whether commissions of investigation should be provided for under this definition. This is a policy matter. I would be happy to engage with Senator Ó Céidigh on this precise issue. I am also keen to ensure that we might be in a position to advance the Bill alongside other measures that both Houses are considering, across a number of Departments, to see if we can deal with the very challenging, important and urgent issue of insurance costs.I am conscious of time here and of the fact that we have to go to the Dáil and perhaps that we might give consideration to the Dáil taking this Bill in Government time. I would be very happy to do so, notwithstanding that I currently have 117 Bills on my desk, one of which has taken a considerable amount of time and will undoubtedly take more. I am a guest here.