Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I thank both of the Deputies. I am in the Department a number of months and my commitment is to bring forward a general scheme but I want to make sure that, as I am advancing that, I examine the long history to this which has been referenced. The history has been too long. Deputy Connolly referenced 2009 and Deputy O'Callaghan referenced other time points. I want to bring forward a general scheme that can be examined by Members to try to strengthen the framework that is there. I am committed to doing that but I have to make sure I construct a scheme which responds to the need for a strengthened body underpinned by integrity principles and improves the transparency, which I have referenced. My commitment is to progress that. Deputy Connolly asked me about this in April and I am committed to working through that and to bringing forward a scheme. When I am in a position to give a specific date on when I can publish it, I will bring that to House. I am currently examining the respective policy considerations and the decision points that have to be made for a scheme and then it will be drafted and published, as is the normal practice.

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