Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

The Deputies have made an important point. The chief railway inspecting office has been earmarked for automatic appointment as commissioner on establishment day. This would involve promotion from principal officer equivalent to assistant secretary equivalent without competition. The chief inspector is eminently qualified for the commissioner post. With regard to the chief inspector's term of office as commissioner and any other terms and conditions of his employment, it was intended that section 14 would apply. As drafted, however, this intention may not be clear and hence the need for a redraft in the amendment. I understand the position will be open to public competition.

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