Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I support this timely amendment, which is similar to amendments discussed in recent days. It is not an attempt to imply any irregularity. Rather, it is an attempt to protect the agency, the Government and the taxpayer from something unanticipated coming down the tracks.

We should remember that the value of the stocks retained by the agency at any given time will be considerable, meaning the agency will have a certain amount of responsibility. It is imperative that the highest possible standards apply in respect of potential conflicts of interest. It would be better to stipulate such a provision in the Bill than to leave the issue to one side and suggest that all eventualities are covered by other sections and Acts. It would protect everyone involved, including the Government. While changes in Government may take a long time, they do occur.

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