Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)

The Minister of State could start a trend. That the provision has not applied to other bodies does not mean he cannot consider setting a precedent. Reassurance should be offered regarding any authorities to which we give fairly substantial legislative powers to enforce in the name of the people and in respect of which people are concerned that there be no arbitrary decision-making, vested interests or conflicts of interest. This should be achieved using the same mechanisms we have enshrined in legislation for Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas and senior public servants. I do not know why these could not apply to all aspects of administration that impact so greatly on people's lives. I include the Health and Safety Authority in this regard.

The Minister of State's contention that the Health and Safety Authority should not be subject to the requirement because no other body is subject to it is not compelling. There should be a reason. If he is convinced that the sort of disclosure I advocate should not be made, I would like to hear his argument therefor.

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