James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Section 16G(4) of the original Act states: "Where the Director General is absent for an extended period or the office of Director General is vacant, the functions of the Director General referred to in subsection (1) may be performed, for such period not exceeding 6 months as may be specified by the Minister...". The extended period is not qualified here and, therefore, the amendment is seeking to cover the shorter periods where, say, the DG is on holidays for two weeks.

It says no longer than six months but it does not cover the shorter period. It is only for the clarity of that. Not exceeding six months is still in there.