Gerard Murphy (Cork North West, Fine Gael)

There is a difficulty when a major change like this is introduced at the last minute and when the Opposition is not given time to come up with safeguards that might be used as amendments to ensure this section is improved. Some Ministers abused their powers in the past and some have had tremendous influence over Secretaries General of their Departments. If other safeguards could be added, we could make some progress in this regard.

Nobody is arguing the basic principle with the Minister. However, if we had more time, more safeguards could be introduced. It is fine to talk about these matters when there is reasonably accountable, democratic Government and a public service we can trust. Five or six years ago we would have said the same about the Garda Síochána, namely, that we could trust it totally. Despite this, time and the Morris tribunal have shown this is not the case and that certain safeguards should have been put in place. We are now faced with a similar situation in this regard. Safeguards should be put in place to ensure the Minister does not abuse these powers.

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