Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

It is important that when we establish new legislation and give significant powers to the Minister to set out orders or guidelines there is some parliamentary accountability on the issuing of those guidelines. The Minister of State had a distinguished career in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and was responsible for many initiatives. It is important for all sides that there is some scrutiny of guidelines and orders set out by the Minister of the day, whoever that may be. This is a sensible amendment enabling discussion to take place at the relevant committee. There are significant guidelines to be issued by the Minister when this Bill becomes law. The idea that there can be no debate once he or she issues those guidelines is nonsensical from a parliamentary perspective.