Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 3 Dec 2013

Vol. 823 No. 2

Credit Reporting Bill 2012: Instruction to Committee

Minister of State at the Department of Finance (Deputy Brian Hayes)

I move:

That, pursuant to Standing Order 177, Standing Order 131 is modified to permit an instruction to the Committee to which the Credit Reporting Bill 2012 may be recommitted in respect of certain amendments, for which it has power to make provision in the Bill in relation to an amendment to the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2013 to change the reference in section 5(2) and 5(3) from Parts 1 to 3 to Parts 1 to 4 in each case to reflect the fact that there are four Parts in each of Schedule 3 and Schedule 4; and to change the title of the Bill to take account of this provision.

It is proposed to recommit the Bill to correct a mistake in the cross-referencing of two sections. We would appreciate the opportunity to make the relevant amendments on Committee Stage to ensure the text is correct when the Bill comes before the Seanad.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

Does the Minister of State propose to speak to the motion?

Deputy Brian Hayes

In pointing out that we made a cross-referencing mistake in the Bill, I have made the argument for accepting the motion. If the Bill is to advance to Report Stage, we must recommit it.

Deputy Michael McGrath

As this is a technical motion to correct a drafting error, I do not have any difficulty with it.

Deputy Pearse Doherty

Similarly, we received clarification on the matter from officials in the Department whose co-operation is appreciated. They informed us of the effect the error would have on procedures. While it is not desirable that the House amend other legislation through the Credit Reporting Bill, Sinn Féin does not propose to stand in the way of a technical amendment to the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Act. As the Minister of State is aware from the Committee Stage debate on the former Bill, we do not have a significant problem with it. I will, however, raise a number of minor issues on Report Stage.

Deputy Brian Hayes

I thank the Deputies opposite for agreeing to the motion.

Question put and agreed to.