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

I move amendment No. 15:

In page 33, between lines 24 and 25, to insert the following:"(7) Subsection (8)applies to the format in which, and the means whereby, all or any of the following are to be issued or furnished, namely—

(a) any certificate or statement referred to in this section is to be issued by the Collector-General,

(b) any certificate, declaration or statement referred to in section 16, 17or 18is to be furnished to the Commissioner, the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board or a Minister of the Government,

and references in subsections (8)and (9)to the format and means shall be construed accordingly.

(8) The format and means may be determined by the Commissioner and the format and means so determined, with respect to what is referred to in subsection (7)(b), shall be such as to ensure to the public officials or proposed appointees concerned the maximum convenience in complying with the relevant provision.

(9) If the format and means, with respect to what is referred to in subsection (7)(a)or (b), are the subject of a determination under subsection (8), then no other format or means, with respect to what is referred to in subsection (7)(a)or (b), as the case may be, shall be used for the purpose of issuing or furnishing the matter concerned.".

Perhaps I could offer some more perspective on the issue in light of our discussion on the format so that the committee is clear about what I mean. At present, SIPO recommends that an online system be developed to facilitate compliance with the tax clearance provisions of the Bill. As I stated earlier, this is by means of a hard copy. An online system would allow a category A public official to make his or her declaration to the commissioner using an electronic signature. In addition, such a system would allow for the tax clearance certificate to be provided by the Collector General directly to the commissioner rather than having it sent to the applicant who is then required to furnish it to the commissioner. This appears to the commission to be an unnecessary administrative procedure. That is how it is currently drafted. I will reflect on the committee's concern about the means of sharing and perhaps tighten that provision regarding the format.