Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We had a good discussion on this on Committee Stage and I further checked and cross-checked it. The reality is that I am accountable to this House on policy matters. What we are proposing here is a standard provision. Amendment No. 31 proposes to remove section 28, which is the accountability of the CEO to other Oireachtas committees. Section 28(9) states: "In the performance of his or her duties under this section, the Chief Executive Officer 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". Attending Oireachtas committees as a Member of this House, I have probably heard this phrase being read out thousands of times at the start of meetings. It is noted that the CEO is prohibited from commenting on policy only in respect of appearances before the Committee of Public Accounts or other Oireachtas committees. The CEO appears before those committees to give evidence on the use of HEA resources and the general administration of the HEA. If members of a committee wish to discuss policy or hold anyone to account for policy, it is me they must invite to the committee. This very much relates to a clear understanding of what the CEO and the Minister of the day are accountable for. I am satisfied with this provision, which I have checked. The Deputy is right to ask the question and seek to interrogate it more but these provisions are standard for State agencies. Nothing here deviates from that or is in any way a new development. It is simply a standard provision for State agencies.

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