Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 50:

In page 13, line 33, after "functions" to insert ", subject to the approval of the Minister".

I have tabled this amendment because I feel the Minister should have to approve the hiring by the agency of consultants or advisers to help it to perform its functions. Over the last couple of days, I have been anxious to include in the Bill extra provisions to ensure the Minister is accountable to the House. In this instance, it would not be any harm for the Minister to have to give approval to any extension of the functions of the agency. I would like the Minister to respond in that regard.

Amendment No. 52 proposes to include the words "as determined from time to time by the Minister", which is an idea we have already discussed. The inclusion of the phrase, which is quite commonly used in the drafting of legislation, might be of benefit to the Bill. This section of the Bill is an appropriate place in which to insert it. This provision would strengthen the Bill by placing a focus on the need for accountability, to the Minister in this case. While I have been tempted to restrict the Minister's sweeping and almighty powers in all the cases so far, I want to elevate the Minister to a new role in this case. I would like him to be able to initiate changes which are beneficial, complementary and effective in bringing meaning to this section of the Bill.

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