Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will be brief and will not keep rehashing the arguments.

Deputy Ó Caoláin hit the nail on the head. I do not question the Minister's bona fides in this regard. I often question the pace of reform but I do not question her commitment to it. As Deputy Ó Caoláin stated, none of us is here for infinity. We are all only passing through and this is about legislation that will govern the future running of the agency.

The Minister quite correctly alluded to the fact that she has appointed persons from the disciplines that are clearly specified in this legislation, and that is to be commended. However, their positions are not indefinite either. Their position involves a time restriction and there will be subsequent appointments. We merely want to ensure that in appointments there is always a wealth of experience and appropriate knowledge at the disposal of the staff and of the CEO, whoever they may be at any time. There is no good reason not to have this amendment included. I commend and support this amendment.