Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will clarify that such is the case. In section 21(1), the Bill provides that the board is "the governing body of the Agency with authority, in the name of the Agency, to perform the functions of the Agency." This is clear and unequivocal. The Minister's relationship is to the agency and that will be to the board of the agency.

Sections 41 and 44 both provide for engagement between the Minister and the agency. In this connection, both the performance framework and the performance statement, that is, under sections 41 and 44, respectively, shall be developed by the Minister and provided - I clarify - "to the Board" of the agency. Clearly, the relationship is to the board of the agency. It will be up to the board then to develop the corporate plan and the business plan, respectively.

I assure the Deputy that references to the agency in this context are to the board of the agency, as defined in the Bill. Therefore, I am not accepting the amendment.

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