Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 28:

In page 12, between lines 15 and 16, to insert the following: “(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act or of any other enactment, the members of the Advisory Council shall be independent in the performance of their functions under this Act.”.

I appreciate that the Minister has taken on board our concerns, but, to add to what has been said, there must be real independence in this regard. There cannot be insiders, although I know the people about whom the Minister is talking are of high calibre. I am simply saying a great deal of pressure could be put on a body such this as time rolls on. It is a big job. Therefore, guaranteeing its independence is of critical importance.

However, I welcome the fact the Minister is looking at it but we need to get that right. I will withdraw the amendment and will await the Minister's amendments.