Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I do not accept the two arguments relating to future discretion. It is simply not enough to say that the NTMA has offered clear guidance because the decisions made by the NTMA - which it was very comfortable with until it was eventually directed or encouraged otherwise by a Minister - allowed for the State to invest money in illegally occupied territories. We cannot say it will not happen because it has happened. We cannot be sure it will not happen again because we do not have concrete legal mechanisms to stop it happening again. That is what I want, namely a mechanism to ensure that it will not happen again. I am extremely open to a mechanism suggested by the Government. It does not have to be the mechanism we propose in amendment No. 28. I can think of a number of other mechanisms and approaches that could be used. Certainly, some mechanism should be put in place to give assurance to the public before this legislation finishes its journey, I hope, through the House and certainly through the Oireachtas.