John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

When we tabled our amendment, there was no mention of the phrase "independent report". It is preferable to have an independent report.

However, even if it is done internally, surely there can be independent scrutiny of it by a committee, for example. We can examine its content and take the issue from there. I do not know why the three-month window is necessary. The Minister has stated that e-tenders and so forth are required, but nothing would happen for three months. We need to move on this immediately. There is no reason for not starting the report's compilation within two or three weeks. That work should commence this side of Christmas, not in three months' time.

I urge the Minister to reconsider this amendment. We need to tighten the process. Nine months is too long. A report should be concluded within six months and scrutinised by a committee. It needs to be brought before the Houses before June at the latest, as the Minister stated, so that everyone can examine it over the summer.

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