Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not propose to accept the amendments proposed by Deputy McGrath. I am sympathetic to these suggestions but see real practical difficulties as they could result in a reluctance to allow a name to go forward for nomination even if candidates could be confident of ratification. It would be impossible to limit ratification hearings to matters of professional competence only and I can understand why a good candidate might be unwilling to risk what could be seen as a very unpredictable process so, on balance, I have decided not to accept the amendments.

I refer the Deputy to the Schedule 1(3) where he will see that in appointing members of the fiscal council, the Minister is not a totally free agent because there are conditions he or she must comply with, including having regard to the desirability of nominees having competence and expertise in domestic or international macro-economic or fiscal matters. Effectively, it is pointed towards people of professional competence being appointed. That is a constraint on the Minister.

To the extent practicable, the Minister must also ensure an appropriate balance between men and women in the membership of the fiscal council which is not always easy to do, but we will do our best. On this occasion, I will not take the Deputy's suggestions on board.