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

It is being put in for that reason. I strongly hold the view that the Standards in Public Office Commission has discharged and continues to discharge all the powers it has in the way that we would expect. However, the Bill provides that if a Member has a question, he or she can engage with the Commission and support and help will be provided in so far as it can be. In light of the change that is under way, we are seeking to put this on a statutory footing. Crucially, the idea is to make clear that for the period when a person is seeking advice on a particular section, that section will not apply.