Maurice Hayes (Independent)

I am not convinced of the utility of Iris Oifigiúil as a means of conveying information on anything to anyone, particularly to those who might be looking for information on personal circumstances or whatever. I shed no tears over that particular subsection. If it is not being used, that is the end of the matter and the world has not come to an end.

I was a member of the committee which dealt with the strategic management initiative in the last Seanad and for years we encouraged Departments to be more user friendly and let people know who was responsible for particular areas. What we are talking about is ensuring best administrative practice without being too heavy-handed.

There is also merit in the point made by Senator O'Toole in that it is worthwhile to have one person dealing with these matters. As Senator Mansergh said, in a large Department responsibility will be farmed out but there is something to be said for building expertise and maintaining continuity of approach and decisions.

It is also important to guard against what might be called either arbitrary delegation to a particular person or the arbitrary removal of delegation in another. Ideally, Departments and bodies should have a directory containing the names of those to whom powers have been delegated under the Act. Will the Minister of State give an assurance that this will be done? While it would be helpful if a way could be found of expressing this on the face of the Bill, I agree that it is not worth dying in the ditch for Iris Oifigiúil.