Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister said she has been advised that her amendments would be better in some sense but she has not stated why. I cannot understand how it could possibly be that one amendment that is legible is less satisfactory than one that is almost illegible, as to its meaning at any rate. I would expect the Minister to say whether she sees any difference in the terms of our amendment and the amendment she is proposing to make. That is the first point. Is there any difference that she can see?

If there is no difference then we are dealing with style and section 26 of the Interpretation Act 2005, which I will come to. If there is some difference between the two results, I would like to hear what it is. If there is no difference, then it is a matter of good legislative practice, as decided by successive Governments, which have said they would not do the kind of thing that is being done here unless it was necessary to do so. I would like to hear from the Minister on that point.