Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 31:

In page 28, to delete lines 35 to 38.

This amendment deletes the part of the Bill providing that the CEO of the Higher Education Authority is specifically prohibited from commenting on policy. The Bill states he or she "shall not question or express an opinion on the merits of any policy of the Government or a Minister of the Government or the merits of the objectives of such a policy". This phrase relates specifically to Oireachtas committees, not including the Committee of Public Accounts. Placing this restriction on the CEO is unnecessary and will negatively impact on democratic debate. I seek an explanation of the reason this provision is considered necessary. I do not like the idea of somebody not being able to comment on policy.

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