Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The outputs will be recommendations but not ones by which the Government is necessarily bound. The rationale for this is that it is absolutely vital in any work we do that we do not remove the ability of a Government employer to negotiate directly with its employees. I do not want negotiations on the future being handled by an entity that is not the Government. I do not believe that would be appropriate and I believe some of the concerns about accountability which were outlined by the Chairman earlier would be exacerbated in such an eventuality. On the terms of reference, I need to seek the views of signatories and I will, of course, consult with the Oireachtas on this point. On the timing, I envisage it will take some months to get the views of signatories on the work of the commission so I will want to get the ball rolling within this year.