Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Section 252 creates a criminal offence and, therefore, there is a need that people, including the media, the courts and even the Director of Public Prosecutions, know in advance the date on which the new provisions will come into force. We will not know in advance the date on which the President will sign the Bill, and there can be a short delay as a new Act is promulgated before it becomes a matter of public record. My officials will be advised as soon as the President signs the Bill and I can then sign the commencement order without delay. This will be promulgated by my Department and become a matter of public record as a statutory instrument. This amendment is to ensure that, where we are creating a criminal offence, all those who require the knowledge that this provision is coming into law are given a clear indication of same. As soon as the Bill is signed into law, my officials will make it known and I will sign the commencement order without delay.