Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 4:

In page 11, line 36, to delete “may” and substitute “shall”.

Section 3 grants wide powers to the Minister to make regulations on any other matter referred to in this Act. It is quite substantial. Regulations on any matter was referred to and there are all kinds of things referred to in the Act. Given how wide those powers are, it is appropriate that there is some form of a check and balance in respect of that. That is why I am suggesting changing the line that states that “The Minister may consult with the Commission before making regulations under this Act.”, to “The Minister shall consult with the Commission before making regulations under this Act.” I note that in other parts of the Bill where the Minister is making regulations, checks and balances were inserted.We will come to that in terms of amendment No. 5. There are checks and balances in others and I have tried to replicate them. Am I to understand that amendments Nos. 4 and 5 are not grouped?