Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I listened carefully to what the Minster said. It seems that the provision is totally against the spirit of the legislation. Surely a chief executive appearing before the Committee of Public Accounts can be asked about the merits of a policy. The wording says that "the chief executive required to give evidence shall not question or express an opinion on the merits of any policy". As Senator Ryan said, he may not even offer congratulations on the merits. I am aware of the Minister's objective, but he is not achieving it with this wording.

The Minister talked about certain aspects such as appropriation accounts, but the reference in section 32(1) is to "all matters pertaining to the expenditure of the agency." The chief executive is not allowed to give an express opinion on the merits of Government policy or the objectives of such a policy. It sounds like Stalinist Russia rather than what the Minister is trying to achieve. Senator O'Toole, who, like Senator Ryan, made an impressive contribution, has said he is confident that the Minister knows what he is doing in this area of law. This section of the Bill does not cover what it was intended to cover; it is too strong and goes too far. The chief executive is able to comment on these areas at other committees, but cannot do so at meetings of the Committee of Public Accounts. If he thinks this matter through, the Minister will realise that he is wrong. He will understand the point I am making and agree to this amendment.