Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I do not think I need to make an argument because the Deputy knows my view on this matter. While it is right and proper to constrain people's rights in order to impose restrictions on post-term employment on relevant designated public officials, those constraints must be proportionate, must not trample on people's rights and must be practical to operate. The categories included in the list are Ministers, Ministers of State, special advisers and public servants of a prescribed rank. I think what I am suggesting in the Bill is the right way to deal with this. I think the one-year cooling-off period or timeline that is proposed is an appropriate and practical provision. I will be anxious to see how it works out. This is the first time such restrictions have been brought in. If we feel they need to be adjusted over time, that is well and good. I think this is a very good starting point.

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