Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

I move amendment No. 23:

In page 21, lines 41 to 44, to delete subsection (9).

The section is extraordinary and unprecedented. Subsection (9) states: "In carrying out duties under this section, the chief executive officer shall not question or express an opinion on the merits of any policy of the Government or a Minister of the Government or on the merits of the objectives of such a policy." This is draconian. Why is it necessary? Why would a chief executive officer be silenced?