Seanad debates

Tuesday, 9 December 2003

Independent Monitoring Commission Bill 2003: Committee and Remaining Stages.

 

10:45 am

Photo of Brian HayesBrian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 3:

In page 5, between lines 2 and 3, to insert the following paragraph:

"(a) compromise its political independence,".

We are proposing the insertion of a new clause whereby the independence of the commission could not be compromised by its political independence. In addition to the actions already listed in the section, it is vital that such a body does not compromise itself. It must remain absolutely independent of political activity as well as of everything else. Amending the legislation in this way will add greater definition and meaning to the existing section on the commission's duties. No one is suggesting that the commission will be anything other than politically independent, but this amendment will strengthen its hand when it goes about its business.

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