Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Minister might explain why the amendment looks unusual. We spent the day hearing that the Minister could take action after consultation with the Minister for Finance and that he could take action after consultation with the Minister for public expenditure and reform and that powers were being transferred. The amendment states:

(a) the insertion, in subsection (2), of "given with the approval of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform" after "Minister for Finance"

Both Ministers have to give their approval. Why are two signatures required on a cheque? The matter goes to the HSE and the Department of Finance approves it. Why is the authority not transferred to the Minister for public expenditure and reform?

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