28 September 2006
SECTION 50.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach: Amendment No. 17 is an alternative to amendment No. 16 and amendment No. 18 is related. Therefore, amendments No. 16 to 18, inclusive, may be discussed together by agreement.
Government amendment No. 16:
In page 37, subsection (1), to delete line 6 and substitute the following:
"(b) the whole or part of a nail or of any material found under it;".
Mr. M. McDowell: Having considered amendment No. 16 and the horrific notion that somebody's entire nail could be taken as a sample, I am given to believe Senator Henry's amendment No. 17 is a better one and I will therefore accept it. While the term "iris identification" does not have a clear meaning, I am disposed to accept it because I do not think it can do any harm in this legislation.
Dr. Henry: It must be of great comfort to the Tánaiste to know that Members of the upper House are spending their evenings at home carefully scrutinising his legislation. I feared the original wording could give rise to a situation in which cruel and natural practices were inflicted by members of the medical profession, so I am glad my amendment has been accepted.
With regard to amendment No. 18, it would be a good idea to include iris identification in this era of biometric passports. It appears to be the most reliable form of identification, although some criminals are apparently able to make changes to biometric passports. I suggest we try to keep the legislation as current as possible.
Mr. M. McDowell: The Senator is correct. When I noticed this issue, I realised I might end up reading a report in the newspaper that I was going to authorise doctors to remove people's nails. I may not have much of a sense of self-preservation but I would not like to have that put on the record.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Dr. Henry: I move amendment No. 17:
In page 37, subsection (1), line 6, after "nail" where it firstly occurs to insert "clipping".
Amendment agreed to.
Dr. Henry: I move amendment No. 18:
In page 37, subsection (1), line 24, after "print" to insert ", iris identification".
Mr. M. McDowell: I am happy to accept this amendment.
Amendment agreed to.
Section 50, as amended, agreed to.
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