Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I support the spirit of this amendment. Some minutes ago we debated the merits of equality. One of the fundamentals of social justice and equality is freedom of expression, particularly in this context. What would happen if a civil servant had an opinion that was more pertinent, effective and constructive than that of the Minister and there was no modus operandi on the part of the civil servant to disagree? Senator Mansergh will probably have a more specialist and professional opinion in this regard, if this House allows him to express it.

It is akin to a dictatorship of the mind, when we are in effect muzzling somebody to prevent the expression of an opinion. Having just debated at length the issue of equality, with very worthy contributions from all Members, we should not then reject an amendment which protects somebody's right to express an opinion.