Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

The Minister of State has simply restated his previous comments, namely that this would break with the existing appointment system. He does not offer a rationale for it. The appointment of a successful applicant for the position of Clerk of the Dáil is a fairly routine matter and the Taoiseach simply rubber stamps it. However, dismissal is a different matter and this provided that the Taoiseach would make the appointment because of the convenience of the original legislation. That was a non-controversial position.

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