Marie Sherlock (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I support what Senator Higgins said. I hear also what the Minister and Senator Malcolm Byrne said but we need to reinforce the point that there is a significant distinction between co-operating with and giving assistance to. I agree with Senator Higgins's question on whether the Minister would be open to a change of that particular language. Obviously, the language in the two amendments is much more black and white, but giving assistance to the establishment of a group is a fairly significant step for a commission.

I agree with Senator Malcolm Byrne that it should not be acting from behind an Iron Curtain. Of course, it has to be aware and engage. Any commission worth its salt has to engage with those it needs to engage with, but what does "give assistance to" imply with regard to resources of the commission? I think that is-----