Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My responses are not intended to undermine the work the Deputies are doing in this area. If I believe an amendment is not going to improve or clarify the text, then I cannot accept it. If I accept this amendment, it will have implications for many other sections where we have not inserted the term “board of the agency”. It is understood my relationship to the board of the agency is as per section 21. I have amended other references such as the relationship of the Minister to the chairperson.

The Deputies cannot have it both ways. On the one hand, they are claiming it is a minor amendment which makes no material difference. Then, they argue it must be accepted. The provision is already clearly understood. One does not repeat terms in legislation if they are not necessary. This amendment could also cause confusion in other sections where "board of the agency" is not inserted. I am not refusing for the sake of it. I am refusing for the reasons I have outlined.

I have introduced clear amendments to the family support area and the agency’s governance. These were follow-ups to points made by the Deputies on Second Stage or by NGOs.