Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Given the advice from the Leas-Chathaoirleach around the impending conclusion of this Stage I will not take a prolonged period to speak. I believe colleagues have raised eloquently many of the concerns we have. My guess is that many Oireachtas Members are not even aware of concerns about how intrusive elements of this guidance appear to be. That is why it is welcome that Senator McDowell, through this amendment and his contribution on Second Stage, has at the least begun a discussion around these issues.

Other colleagues have made the relevant points well. Without rehashing the arguments, the key component for me is that we have agreed in this House and in the other House to try to work with the Minister of State and his officials to get this legislation through in a timely and orderly fashion. This amendment does not impede the sentiment, aspiration or practical outworking of this legislation in any way. I appreciate that it has injected a bespoke and nuanced element to it. A little common sense is required to move forward.

I will not prolong the debate. I am keen to hear the response of the Minister of State and I hope he can work with the amendment, Senator McDowell and all of us to ensure we can address this well.