Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)

I support this group of amendments, one of which, a1h is my own and states:

"The Minister shall not direct the Commission to use funds from the National Pension Reserve Fund in excess of €7 billion for the purposes of investing in any financial institution without the consent of both Houses of the Oireachtas.".

It is a reasonable belt and braces approach to deal with this fund, which is so critical to people's futures and pensions, and ensures is it protected at all times. I do not know why the Minister would not accept any of these amendments. They are being brought before the democratic institution and give representatives of the people their say in the Chamber. It would not need to be a long project or process. Money in excess of €7 billion could be moved to one of the institutions concerned quickly if the need arose. I have a hopeful expectation the Minister will accept the essence of these amendments.

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