Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

Is this new in the sense that the Minister is taking responsibility for something that has hitherto been a matter for the Oireachtas Commission? The Minister seems to be saying that the legal advice is that this would seem to be the simplest way. Undoubtedly it is simple but it certainly seems to be rowing back on the principle that the Oireachtas Commission is self-governing. Perhaps the Minister would clarify that.

Another aspect that struck me relates to subsection (5) which provides that regulations under this section may, if so expressed, have retrospective effect. Is that in accordance with good legal practice? Why is that provided for?

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