Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

I second the amendment. As I am conscious of the lack of time, I will not go over the ground covered by Senator Browne. I am worried about Part 5 of the Bill. According to section 22(3), the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 does not apply to staff recruited in the first three months following the establishment of the health service executive. Therefore, the chief executive, who is a Government appointee, can appoint any number of staff and anyone he or she likes in the first three months.