David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In head 6(3) it states, "The Minister may". Head 6(4) states, "The Minister may, prior to the commencement of any competition for the promotion of an officer". Head 6 gives the Minister discretion and, as was said earlier, he or she may or may not decide to confer. The Minister could completely ignore and sideline this body if he or she wished. Should we insert a proviso such as "The Minister shall confer" and if he or she does not, then we will give a good reason he or she will not? Having an oversight body is important and should be used. There is a possibility in the future that a Minister of the day might decide not to bother with it and do his or her own thing. I think that at least the Minister should confer unless he or she has a very good reason not to do so. I ask the Department to take my suggestion on board.