Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

The chief executive is an essential member of the agency. In other legislation under the Department of Education and Science where other bodies have been set up, for example, the higher and further training awards councils, HETAC and FETAC, and the National Education Welfare Board, the chief executive is actually a member of the agency. I do not propose to accept this amendment.

On amendment No. 86, with regard to setting up statutory boards, there must be clear lines between policy functions and executive functions — between the functions that a Minister retains and the functions of officers such as a CEO. Policy determination is a matter for the Minister and the Government and not a matter for the CEO of a State board. Therefore, it follows that a CEO has no role in criticising Government or ministerial policy. I cannot accept the amendment.

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