Mr. Joseph Curtin:

I agree with Mr. Brennan that the independence of the expert advisory body is paramount. I have heard the fiscal advisory body being referred to as a sort of exemplar. It is not really a good exemplar because it situates itself completely outside the policy cycle. For the expert advisory body to have some real input into policy, it needs to be part of the policy cycle. On the issue of sectoral interests, it is a question of determining the Irish perspective. At present in the Bill, there is a great danger that it will not be reflected, for a number of reasons. Chief among the reasons is that the sectoral roadmaps come first. Inevitably, sectoral roadmaps will be a little more reflective of sectoral concerns and interests, and that is why Mr. Brennan, in his opening remarks, said the national plan should be developed first. If I were to leave the members with one message, it would concern the primacy of the national plan and a national strategy. We need overall national direction on how we are to deal with the challenge. There should not be a bottom-up approach but a top-down approach. The arrangement should be agreed with the first input coming from an independent advisory body that reflects Ireland's national interests. I agree with Mr. Brennan that the input of the EPA and SEAI on the expert advisory body is paramount. It must be able to draw on the data, information and expertise of those agencies. How one can guarantee independence while ensuring the ability to draw on the resources of those bodies constitutes a difficult issue. It comes down to the nuances of the legislation. Trying to strike a balance is a challenge that I leave with the members. It must be ensured that the body does not reflect any one sector or interest over another. It must really take a completely independent Ireland Inc perspective. If this Bill can do anything, it will be delivering a national roadmap that is independent of sectoral interests, such that each sector's concerns will be reflected in a balanced way.