Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I move amendment No. 7:

In page 12, lines 13 to 16, to delete subsection (2).

This subsection, which we propose to delete, states:

In the performance of his or her duties under this section the Director General shall not question or express an opinion on the merits of any policy of the Government or a Minister of the Government or on the merits of the objectives of such a policy.

We have come across this before and in this case it pertains to the Public Accounts Committee. Earlier in that section it states:

The Director General shall, whenever required to do so by the Committee of Dáil Éireann established under the Standing Orders of Dáil Éireann to examine and report to Dáil Éireann on the appropriation accounts and reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General, give evidence to the Committee on–