Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Briefly, as I was listening to Senator Ward, I was thinking about the practical application of including an amendment where we create that exemption. I was listening to Senator Ward talk about the recklessness piece. He has obviously decided that it is accounted for here. There is direct correlation between not having an exemption and creating a situation of recklessness, because the exemption piece is not in it. Therefore, if humanitarian aid workers and their family members do not feel that they are protected by the law, they may then make decisions on how they move across borders in a completely different way. This, in fact, increases the possibility of reckless journeys. Recklessness in another sense would relate to people who are doing this for financial benefit and to those who do not pay attention to people’s care needs as they move. However, to not have the exemption piece in would increase the possibility of reckless situations. This is because people would have to take more risk if they are not protected by the law, while they are moving people from a humanitarian crisis.