Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

From Senator Brian Hayes's comments, I am prepared to examine the amendment's provisions. However, one runs into difficulties when micro-managing these matters in primary legislation. A suitable person for the office of ombudsman may not want to serve for a shorter period than seven years. A statutory provision requiring an ombudsman to serve for seven years may discourage suitable candidates for the post. It is not much good if a person applies for the job but resigns after five years. Flexibility is important in this matter.

The Opposition is suspicious of the Government——