Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

My understanding is that rule existed as it was supposed to be. There has been concern about some discussions that have been evident at AGMs lately. Some people feel the discussions should not have got on the agenda. Some people wanted it made clearer that the issue could not be spoken on at all. The amendment allows its discussion.

At a finance committee in the Oireachtas, for example, a Member may want to put down a motion ordering the Minister for Finance to carry out an action. If it cannot be done, the Member may find a roundabout way to do it. The motion could relate to a report being brought forward, for example.

Under the amendment, the matter will be allowed to be discussed. The pure view of some people is that the issue should not even be talked of unless a directive came from directors.

See this speech in context