Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

Article 2 of the Agreement and our own statute already provide that, "The Commission shall be independent in the performance of its functions". There is a slight difference of nuance here. One could say someone shall be independent in the performance of his function and also say that his independence shall not be compromised. I see that point. At this stage, whatever sympathy I may have, Senator Brian Hayes was not sitting on my shoulder when the ink was drying on the Agreement and, therefore, I cannot accept the amendment.