Derek McDowell (Labour)

As the Leas-Chathaoirleach correctly pointed out, we have discussed amendment No. 37 already. I do not wish to delay the House but ask for his indulgence since I did not argue in favour of the amendment earlier in the debate. The reason for the amendment was to remove the gagging order. It is fairly routine when setting up a State board that its members or, at least, its chairperson is obliged to uphold Government policy when appearing before a committee of the Oireachtas or elsewhere. In this case, there is no cogent reason this obligation should apply as the board is not carrying out Government policy in any serious sense. It is, therefore, unreasonable to impose the traditional gag in these circumstances.