We are under some time pressure.

I want to speak in support of the amendments. They are incredibly sensible. The use of "or" or "and" can make a huge difference. In this case, to speak to amendment No. 2 first, it is absolutely clear the Minister should not be making a fixed payment notice without prescribing how it would be used and there is no point in prescribing how it might be administered if it does not exist. It does not function as a section unless that change is made in respect of "and". With regard to amendment No. 1, both of the measure…

There has never been a more apt moment to call for a mechanism involving appropriate scrutiny. It is as clear as day how important it is that there be scrutiny and value in that scrutiny offered by all Members. I strongly support these amendments. The flaws in this Bill would have been identified and dealt with if we had proper Committee and Report Stages. If there are mistakes in the regulations made by the Minister, we should not see them acted out against persons but rather ensure they can be scrutinised. I supp…

I move amendment No. 4: In page 16, lines 24 to 26, to delete all words from and including “calculated” in line 24 down to and including “made” in line 26. This amendment removes the language in regard to how a majority of limited partners would be calculated. It again goes to one of the fundamental problems and concerns I have with the Bill, which is that it can effectively represent a reduction in liability for limited partners. At the same time, section 7, on which we divided the House, gives very meaningful pow…

I wish to express my regret that these amendments have been ruled out of order. I reserve the right to move other versions of these amendments. They relate to ensuring that such debts and obligations as people are exempted from do not include their debts and obligations in respect of the staff they employ and indeed in respect of the Revenue Commissioners. I have serious concerns in this regard, so I encourage the Minister of State to come back to the House on Report Stage with clear guidance as to how such crucial…

It is important that the matter is clarified on Report Stage. A similar issue of clarity arises in section 63, concerning which information is shared with which public bodies. I will bring forward the same question when we reach section 63 because we need to have appropriate safeguards to ensure there is no inappropriate sharing of information.

I hope we will get a chance to discuss the powers of the specified bodies as they are set out in the Social Welfare Acts.

I move amendment No. 7: In page 50, line 39, after "partner" to insert "or limited partner". These amendments relate to the winding up or liquidation of a partnership. At present, the Bill simply requires that a statutory declaration be made that the general partner had not been notified of any order or resolution to wind up or liquidate, and similarly, that the general partner had not been notified of the appointment of a liquidator or similar person. I am proposing to extend that provision because it is crucial t…

I recognise that the essence of the Bill is the limiting of liability. That is my concern. I note that this entire section - section 40, in relation to the migration-out - relates to the question of funds moving location as convenient. It relates to that concern we might have of chasing services or products on offer elsewhere. I reserve the right to bring forward similar amendments, and indeed wider amendments looking at the question of the changing of jurisdiction or the migration-out of partnerships, on Report St…

I move amendment No. 8: In page 51, line 2, after "partner" to insert "or limited partner".

I move amendment No. 9: In page 55, to delete lines 5 to 10. I am opposing this section. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, I might not be able to have a vótáil. However, I intend to bring forward a large number of amendments to this section on Report Stage.

The amendment is to oppose the section. It is effectively about the introduction of the sub-funds and the changes in respect of liability. Do I have an amendment to this section?

Amendment No. 9 is to delete lines 5 to 10 in page 55. There may be an argument to be made in certain circumstances — we need to interrogate these — about not having cross-liability between different sub-funds. An example would be where there is a large number of pension schemes. Regardless of the lack of cross-liability, I am concerned that there is no upward liability. The umbrella fund should be liable for the failure of a sub-fund to deliver. My amendment would leave the lack of cross-liability between sub-fund…

I reserve the right to reintroduce amendment No. 9 on Report Stage.

I would like to speak to amendments Nos. 10 to 12, inclusive.

I move amendment No. 10: In page 84, between lines 28 and 29, to insert the following: “(10) Where an individual requests to the Registrar information on which specified bodies their data has been shared with by the Registry, the Registrar shall furnish a report on what specified bodies they have shared the individual’s data with, unless— (a) that person is the subject of an ongoing criminal investigation which it is believed the sharing of such information would compromise, and (b) upon the conclusion of such a cr…

I reserve the right to resubmit amendments in respect of both the register and the role and interpretation of specified bodies. As the Minster of State will be aware, there are concerns with the social welfare legislation, and the narrowing of powers in relation to specified powers. I suggest to the Minister of State that that report - the lobbying document which we have been informed exists and which was not furnished to the media - might be furnished to Members of the Opposition and spokespersons in this House, a…

We do. I welcome the Minister of State to the House. When we initially reviewed the legislation back in March we were in a different situation and, sadly, in some ways we were in a better situation. While we knew that there was a crisis, and many of us knew it would be a long-term crisis, to some degree we had a clarity of message and purpose, in that we would flatten the curve and during that period we would see a huge investment in ICU capacity. At the time I pushed for ventilators by asking for enough of them to…

I second this Bill and commend Senator Ruane for proposing it. It is something that all of us in the Civil Engagement group in the Seanad strongly support - both the current group and the former members of the group including former Senators John Dolan and Colette Kelleher. It goes to the core of the role that we see civil society playing in shaping and contributing to Ireland and in supporting and changing the policies in people’s lives. This is what the Bill is about. It is important to be very clear that this is…

It is not agreed.