Mr. David Healy:

The first point is it needs to be designed to be independent. A statement in the legislation, such as that in the Fiscal Responsibility Act, would help. A greater relationship with the Oireachtas and the committee, which is the fundamental body for oversight of the executive, would be useful. The functions need to be very clear and definite. The draft Bill makes reference to what the committee may do and this needs to be tightened up. With regard to its membership, all members of the committee should be independent.