David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am not trying to do the Cathaoirleach's job. The Minister was trying to do it, and not very well I might add because Senator McDowell was not engaging in a Second Stage speech.

On the legislation enacted in 2002, I agree wholeheartedly with the points made by Senator McDowell regarding the relevance of section 44, which I do not propose to repeat. I am tempted to do so, but I will not. With regard to the observation that this legislation is in dog's dinner condition, that, in my opinion, renders it essential that we in this House subject it to minute scrutiny. If the Government's legal adviser describes it as in dog's dinner condition, it is our responsibility to hold it up to the greatest test.

I am glad that subsections (2) and (3) have been removed. They were among the worst aspects of this section. I await the Minister's response before deciding whether to call a vote against the section.