Sinéad Gibney (Dublin Rathdown, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste. It is good to hear remuneration will not be part of it. I am still keen to hear more details about the terms of reference and membership. I appreciate the invitation will give details. For clarity and transparency for us as elected representatives in the Dáil, and for the Irish public, it is important that we know exactly on what conditions the group is being convened. It is very important that we have clarity on who these people are and in what context they will influence Irish trade policy. Public officials are democratically accountable to us but corporate executives are not. In the context of big business in the US encroaching even further on the democratic process, this is a challenge to be met, not a path to follow. The interests of these corporate executives, for example, may not align with those of the Irish people.

It is important to know who is speaking and acting on behalf of Irish policy and what level of influence and access they will get to decision-makers such as the Minister and the Taoiseach. Further detail is required.

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