Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 12:

In page 6, between lines 4 and 5, to insert the following:"(5) The Minister may, where he or she considers it necessary to do so—

(a) prior to an oral hearing in respect of an appeal under section 29(1)(a), (b) or (c)(ii), or

(b) prior to the examination and determination of an appeal under section 29(1)(c)(i),

replace a member of an appeals committee (including the chairperson) with another member of an appeals panel.".

I advised on Committee Stage that I would bring forward an amendment to allow for the replacement of a section 29 appeals committee member when the need arises. Amendment No. 12 addresses circumstances in which an appeals committee member, including the chairperson, is unable for some reason to continue with an appeal after the appeals committee has been appointed. This amendment allows the Minister to replace such a member in such circumstances. It provides the necessary flexibility for the replacement of members of a section 29 appeals committee by the Minister when required. Amendments Nos. 13 and 14 are consequential renumbering amendments arising from amendment No. 12.

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