Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 10:

In page 16, to delete lines 31 to 34.

I have a strong view on this amendment and I am going to press it. The lines in the section that I am seeking to remove prohibit the CEO from expressing an opinion on the merits of Government policy, Ministers and the objectives of such policy. They are too restrictive. If we appoint experts and knowledgeable and experienced people to positions and if they have a view, we cannot have such a rigid prohibition on their views. I accept they are employed as officials in some senses, albeit independent of the State.

They have to carry out their functions with due diligence and regard to Government policy. It is very rigid. We should afford a little more flexibility than what is provided for. This is one amendment that I will certainly be pressing.