Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

All legislation speaks in the future tense, as the Senator is well aware. In addition, the council can actually specify that the report of a person in the private sector shall be the ultimate report on the matter.

On the current practice in the Department, I know the Department is seeking to deal with all these matters with expedition. It does have regard to private sector reports but ultimately relies on its own expertise. That position may change under this legislation.