Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I have difficulty with the Minister's views on my amendment. Section 32(2) is strongly worded. It states, "The chief executive shall not question or express an opinion on the merits of any policy of the Government". It does not merely state he or she should not criticise the policy. If I was on a committee that invited members of the National Tourism Development Authority to speak, I might like to ask the chief executive if he or she could do more if he or she had more money. It would be foolish if he or she was legally compelled to say he or she could not answer, as it would mean that members of the committee would be gagged. Under the section, the chief executive will not be allowed to speak out on the merits of Government policy.