Feargal Quinn (Independent)

The Minister has it totally back to front. He says that this measure will protect the chief executive from having to comment. Then he says almost the very opposite – that it will force the chief executive not to criticise Government policy where he believes it is essential. The Minister has twisted things, perhaps unintentionally. It is the section that is invidious not the position of the chief executive. It is bad law and should not go through. We mentioned this in the House before and the Minister accepted the point. Measures such as this have slipped in before and were noticed and removed. I urge the Minister to reconsider.