Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 52:

In page 36, line 17, after “witness” to insert “(including an authorised officer)”.

Section 15V relates to the admissibility of evidence and rules for oral hearings. Amendments Nos. 52 and 53 are to give clarity that as part of the power of an adjudication officer to call witnesses to an oral hearing, he or she may call an authorised officer as a witness.

Amendments Nos. 54 and 55 reflect that the adjudication officers are not given any direct budget from which to discharge expenses, as necessary, in their consideration of an investigation and making a decision. These amendments will allow for any necessary expenses incurred as a result of an oral hearing held by an adjudication officer as part of his or her consideration of the results of an investigation and making a decision, at the discretion of the adjudication officer, to be paid by the competent authority. It is important for governance of public finances purposes that the competent authority properly disburses the Estimate it receives from the Exchequer.