Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will take on board the Minister's phrases. He is potentially right that "best progressive realisation" and "best reasonable effort" may have loopholes of their own. My concern still stands on the backward step. I will not press the amendment now but on Report Stage I may introduce other amendments. I agree with the Minister that the phrase, "best reasonable efforts", opens perhaps a different set of loopholes. I will seek to ensure that the wording, "as far as practicable", does not include or allow for a step that would diminish progress. I am not a fan of the ratchet clause as it applies in our trade agreements but it might be needed in this regard. I will make other proposals. I take on board that this phrase may not be exactly right but I believe that "as far as practicable" is still very wide and loose.