Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The amendment proposed that each local enterprise office be subject to oversight by a board comprised of representatives of the relevant local authority and local businesses. Under Standing Order 156, this could - that being the key word - have the effect of imposing a charge on the Exchequer. That is the reason given by the Bills Office.

There is also a second reason. One of the main principles of the Bill is to dissolve the county enterprise boards. The amendment would reinstate a similar board in an oversight position and would, therefore, be in conflict with the principle of the Bill, as read a second time. The amendment is also ruled out under Standing Order 131(1). The Deputy should seek a full explanation from the Bills Office. There is no problem discussing the theory behind the amendment at the end of the section. We will move on to amendment No. 7 before discussing the section.