Seanad debates

Tuesday, 1 June 2021

Maritime Jurisdiction Bill 2021: Committee and Remaining Stages

 

9:00 am

Photo of Alice-Mary HigginsAlice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have the same concern as that articulated by Senator Ward. I checked with the officials in that regard. This would potentially make it easier by clarifying that this is not a concern or obstacle in that regard. It is a useful addition, but there may be other points in the Bill where reference to that directive might be made if we are looking for consolidating legislation that updates existing law. This amendment can be easily incorporated because it refers to existing law and is simply making visible that it was thought through during the processes. Again, I will certainly ask others to bring forward an amendment in the Dáil on my behalf but I will, potentially, look to other places in the Bill where this might be put.

I will highlight another issue that the Minister of State will be aware is a concern of mine. It does not relate specifically to him and I thank him and his officials for their engagement. I note there has been somewhat of a pattern of Ministers speaking on a Monday or Tuesday in the Houses and saying they cannot accept amendments on those days because it requires Cabinet discussion. I note this is not in fact the law and is not legal or normal practice. It is normally the case that any Minister who comes to the Seanad at any legislative Stage should be in a position to accept reasonable amendments. Again, this does not in any way apply to the Minister of State but it is a wider concern that we may need to examine in the Seanad. It would be a concern if we end up scheduling legislative business where there is an assumption that amendments might not be accepted. In that context, we could not schedule legislative business on a Monday or Tuesday, which would slow the whole legislative process down and nobody wants that.

In this context, I withdraw the amendment with a view to its being taken forward.

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