We have been waiting a long time for this legislation. Efforts have been made over the past 20 years to properly regulate gambling in this country, but often to no avail. It is important that we finally have a Bill with genuine momentum behind it, but, leaving aside regulation and licensing for a moment, one that also seeks to address the harms caused by excessive and problem gambling. In preparing this Bill, it has been my priority to ensure it is as future-proofed as possible and can take account of new and emerg…

I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "Dáil Eireann" and substitute the following: "notes that: - migration is a European challenge that requires a European response, which should include comprehensive policies in relation to both the internal and external dimensions of migration, with full and due respect for fundamental rights under European Union (EU) and international law; - Ireland has a firm rules-based immigration system where rules are in place and where rules are enforced; - the European Union …

I wish to draw the attention of the House to a minor typographical error that my Department has noted in the Bill. On page 26, line 17, the word "Minister" has been incorrectly spelled with the second "i" omitted in error. I seek to invoke Standing Order 196 and request that the Ceann Comhairle, as Chair, direct the Clerk to make a correction in the Bill so as to substitute the correct spelling of the word "Minister" in this location.

I move amendment No. 1: In page 14, between lines 29 and 30, to insert the following: “ “vulnerable person” means a person who has— (a) a physical disability, (b) a mental or intellectual disability, or (c) a mental illness, which is of such a nature or degree as to severely restrict the person to guard himself or herself against serious exploitation.”. I will speak to this group together. The intention is to replace outdated terminology in the Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) Act 2008 and ensure this carries throu…

I move amendment No. 2: In page 18, between lines 11 and 12, to insert the following: “Presumption of age of child applicant 26. Where— (a) an applicant or appellant, as the case may be, or (b) in the case of an application under section 26(4) , the person making an application on behalf of an applicant or an appeal on behalf of an appellant, claims in the application that the applicant or appellant, as the case may be, has not attained the age of 18 years, the competent authority, the trusted partner, the operatio…

I move amendment No. 3: In page 18, lines 37 and 38, to delete “person who is unable to make the application himself or herself by reason of a mental or physical incapacity” and substitute “vulnerable person (other than a child)”.

I move amendment No. 4: In page 19, line 10, to delete “subject to” and substitute “in accordance with”. These amendments collectively remove the credibility requirement when an application to be recognised as a victim of trafficking is being assessed. I will speak to the amendments in the grouping together. We are maintaining the current threshold for identification of victims of trafficking on the basis of reasonable grounds of belief. This will ensure our legislation remains aligned with the European Union and t…

I move amendment No. 5: In page 19, line 11, to delete “whether—” and substitute “whether there are reasonable grounds for believing that the applicant is a victim of human trafficking.”

I move amendment No. 6: In page 19, between lines 11 and 12, to insert the following: “(2) The competent authority or the trusted partner, as the case may be, shall, in relation to a decision under subsection (1) —”.

I move amendment No. 7: In page 19, to delete line 12.

I move amendment No. 9: In page 19, line 13, before “the” where it firstly occurs to insert “take into account whether”.

I move amendment No. 10: In page 19, line 16, after “child” to insert “or a vulnerable person”.

I move amendment No. 11: In page 19, line 21, to delete “ section 25. ” and substitute “ section 25, and”.

I move amendment No. 12: In page 19, line 22, to delete “(2) A decision under subsection (1) shall be made” and substitute the following: “(b) make the decision”.

I move amendment No. 13: In page 19, line 28, to delete “ paragraphs (a) and (b) ” and substitute “ paragraph (a) ”.

I move amendment No. 14: In page 19, line 29, to delete “ subsection (1) are” and substitute “ subsection (2) is”.

I move amendment No. 15: In page 19, line 33, to delete “ paragraphs (a) and (b) ” and substitute “ paragraph (a) ”.

I move amendment No. 16: In page 19, line 34, to delete “ subsection (1) are” and substitute “ subsection (2) is”.

I move amendment No. 17: In page 20, line 12, to delete “whether—” and substitute “, in accordance with subsection (3) , whether there are reasonable grounds for believing that the applicant is a victim of human trafficking.”.

I move amendment No. 18: In page 20, to delete line 13 and substitute the following: “(3) The operational committee shall, in relation to a decision under subsection (2) —”.