Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will address amendments Nos. 6, 18, 24 and 25, as jointly tabled by Deputies Ó Broin and Gould. I must oppose amendment No. 6. This section of the Bill allows the Minister to appoint a person to carry out periodic inspections, reviews and audits with regard to the performance of the registration body and to furnish a report. The "person" in this instance is likely to be a professional body or a professional auditing body and, therefore, it is not appropriate that they are appointed through the Public Appointments Service. All such appointments will be in line with public procurement procedures.

Amendment No. 18 seeks to have the chairperson of the board appointed through the Public Appointments Service. Amendment No. 24 seeks to have the chairperson of the appeals committee appointed through the Public Appointments Service. Amendment No. 25 seeks to have the members of the appeals committee appointed through the Public Appointments Service.

At this stage, I cannot accept these amendments. However, I am minded to review the proposals that the appointments will be made through the Public Appointments Service. I am also minded to review the proposal contained in amendment No. 24 that the chairperson of the board should have specific knowledge and experience relevant to construction and building regulations.

However, at this stage, I must oppose amendments Nos. 6, 18, 24 and 25 but I will bring fresh proposals back on this section on Report Stage.