Mr. Cathal Duffy:

The legislation currently provides that the body seeks the approval of the Minister if it wishes to conduct a review and to make recommendations. That again is something we could reflect on if there was a view it should change. It is important the work of the body reflects what might be seen as the priorities and so forth as opposed to working completely in abeyance.

On the Deputy's query about the role of the body and the oversight, it is matter for the Minister to determine when, or if, they should choose to consult the EOB on HR matters, whether that is a promotion, a complaint or whatever it is. The Minister has the discretion not to consult the body. The role of the body is to oversee and monitor, not necessarily to become engaged in the operational aspects of it and the working time directive would probably be outside the scope of the external oversight body, which would probably be more involved in oversight and monitoring and providing advice to the Minister on that basis.