Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

I move amendment No. 63:

In page 15, line 23, to delete "appears" and substitute "can be demonstrated".

This and the related amendments deal with the removal of a person from the agency, the committees of the agency and the consultative group. My amendments are designed to make the procedure for removal fairer. It should not simply be based on the opinion of the Minister or because their removal appears to the Minister to be necessary. The amendments provide that there must be due cause if a person is to be removed. Amendment No. 63 deletes "appears" and substitutes "can be demonstrated".

This is about fairness. Nobody should be removed from an organisation simply because it appears that it might be necessary to remove them or because it is the Minister's opinion that they are incapable of performing their functions or have committed stated misbehaviour. That is offensive to people who serve on an agency, body or committee. Due cause must be shown as to why a person should be removed. It is a big step to remove somebody from a responsibility they have been given and removal is certainly a reflection on their character. That should not be done to a person unless due cause has been demonstrated.

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