Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am happy to support each of the amendments in this grouping apart from amendment No. 18. It is correct to have a certain level of flexibility in the number of members, with between 12 and 15 being permissible. Many of the categories of appointee identified are appropriate for membership of the board. In some respects, these proposals closely resemble what was outlined by Deputy O'Callaghan in the Bill previously. However, there are several key differences. One is that the original Bill proposed that panel convenors be appointed by the Public Appointments Service. The removal of that provision is a regressive step, which is why I do not support the amendment.

Deputy O'Callaghan identified a point regarding agencies of the Department of Justice and Equality and people appointed directly by the Minister. I do not believe that the Minister, Deputy Flanagan, would have in any way used either the offices or the appointees to try to influence this process. However, the point is that this is similar to the situation for Caesar's wife, in that the Department must not only be above reproach, but seen to be so. The involvement of the Public Appointments Service is important for the confidence of those going before the parole board to seek parole and their families, as well as the interests of the victims of crime. It is important that the board is as independent as possible and is seen to be so. For that reason, the proposal in the amendment is a regressive step.

In addition, the amendment removes subsection 8(2)(h) of the Bill, which provides for the inclusion of a representative nominated by the Irish Penal Reform Trust, and that is a regressive step.

On a minor drafting issue, I may be wrong, but section10(3)(a)(i) as proposed in amendment No. 18 should include the word "or" in order to be clear that it is one of the three conditions, rather than the first and one of the latter two. I am being fussy, but my substantive point stands.

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