When I asked the House this morning to allow me further time to consider the amendment which Deputy FitzGerald had put down, I did so in recognition of the case he was making and because I did not consider that my own amendment fully covered the cases which I had intended would be covered. I accept that certain categories of people could be deemed to be committing a criminal offence as the amendment stood. If Deputy FitzGerald is now prepared to withdraw his amendment I should like to propose this amendment to my own amendment No. 7.
Housing Bill, 1970: From the Seanad (Resumed)
Debate resumed on the following amendment:
6. After "resident in the dwelling" to insert "or to his licensee or invitee".
—(Deputy FitzGerald).
Yes, I withdraw mine.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Deputy FitzGerald withdraws his amendment and the Minister moves amendment No. 6 (a) to Seanad amendment No. 7.
I move amendment No. 6 (a):
After "resident in the dwelling" to insert "or to a person making an entry into the dwelling for the purposes of normal social relations with such persons or to a person making an entry into the dwelling (but not using it for human habitation) in the course of his ordinary business, profession, vocation or trade.
I understand that when Deputy FitzGerald, this morning, offered to allow me to consider this question furthere he said that he would accept an amendment from me without discussion in the House if this amendment was acceptable to him and to the point that he was making.
I should like to thank the Minister for his courtesy and for the care he has taken in drafting his amendment to meet my point and also to say that I think we were very fortunate in that the Seanad took this matter up and spotted it so that we had the opportunity to reconsider it in this House.
Hear, hear.
Amendment agreed to.
Seanad amendment No. 7, as amended, agreed to.
Amendments Nos. 7, 8 and 9 have been ruled out of order.
I move That the Committee agree with the Seanad in amendment No. 8:
8. Schedule: In page 5, line 28, page 6, line 11, page 7, line 24, page 8, line 12 and page 10, lines 21 and 37 "31st day of August, 1970" deleted and "31st day of December, 1970" substitued in each case.
Question put and agreed to.
Amendments Nos. 7, 8 and 9 not moved.
Seanad amendments Nos. 1 to 6, Seanad amendment No. 7, as amended, and Seanad amendment No. 8 reported and agreed to.
Ordered: That a message be sent to Seanad Éireann accordingly.