Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

In response to Deputy Funchion’s question, the establishment and duration of the scheme is set out under sections 5 and 6. On the duration of the scheme, it states that, subject to subsection (2), the scheme shall cease to operate on the following date, in the Act referred to as the "cessation date", which will either be the date that is the fifth anniversary of the establishment day, or such date that the Minister may, by order, specify that is earlier than that date. There is provision for a cessation date for the scheme to close and, after such time as the scheme closes, there would be a dissolution of the office that was designed to provide the scheme.

In response to Deputy Sherlock, there are several sections dealing with the establishment of the role of chief deciding officer. The method of appointment is set out in section 8. The chief deciding officer will be a member of the Civil Service. It is important to note that the role will be independent in terms of the functions, which are clearly set out in the legislation. Section 9(3) states, "The Chief Deciding Officer shall be independent in the performance of the functions conferred upon him or her by or under this Act." While the person will be a member of the Civil Service, there is a clear, legislative protection of the independence of the functions under this Act. An office will be established under the chief deciding officer that will undertake the various administrative roles necessary to implement a scheme of this scale.

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