Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

To clarify, the council was announced by the Minister in June. It includes four ex officiomembers of 11 members in total. We can supply the list to Deputies, if they want it made available. The chairperson of the council is John FitzGerald, who I believe we would all agree is a very experienced and qualified chair, which needs to be recognised. I am not sure where Deputy Boyd Barrett is coming from. He is adopting a cynical approach. The Government seems to have satisfied Sinn Féin and Fianna Fáil, given the thrust of our amendment is the same as theirs. The Government amendment states, "The Advisory Council shall be independent in the performance of its functions.” I cannot see how I can be any more explicit or clear. The Government has put into the legislation that this council is required to be independent in the performance of its functions.

I cannot elaborate any further. We listened to the concerns of Deputies on Committee Stage and put forward amendment No. 124. I will move that amendment when we get to it.

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