Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As matters stand, the CEO is prohibited from holding any other office, employment or business unless the board approves. The Minister must be informed of any such decision by the board. The proposed amendment would prevent the CEO from holding any other office, under any circumstances. This issue arose during debate in the Seanad and the Minister’s view was that it was not possible to foresee all circumstances and that there may be situations where holding other offices may be justified. The legislation as it stands allows for this, while giving the safeguard that the board’s consent is needed. The board will be the decision maker. If it believes it is not appropriate, the CEO cannot undertake the work in question. It is not, therefore, proposed to accept this amendment.