Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Amendment No. 2 is a technical amendment which provides for the inclusion of a definition of "subornation of perjury" in section 1. Subornation of perjury includes pressing, encouraging or assisting someone to commit perjury. This definition mirrors the definition to be provided for in section 3, which I accept.

I support amendment No. 4, which is a consequential provision arising from amendment No. 3, in that it correctly provides that section 2(5) need no longer be retained as it sets out the offence of subornation of perjury, which will now be provided for separately in section 3.

Amendment No. 5 creates the new and separate section on the offence of subornation of perjury, which was previously provided for in section 2 of the Bill which had regard to anyone who "dishonestly causes to be given, or adduces or dishonestly causes to be adduced" a statement. That is agreed. Separating the offences of perjury and subornation of perjury affords a greater level of clarity in the structure of Bill.

Amendment No. 6 merely provides for grammatical correction. I agree with and accept this amendment.