Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

I am picking up on the general remarks of the Minister of State, on his views as expressed to the DLCG. If the Minister of State holds a particular view, why not go with it? As the Minister of State, he is in charge. We are Members of the Seanad, one of the Houses of the Oireachtas. Ultimately, we in the Houses are responsible for the legislation. My understanding is the DLCG is a consultative body which offers a particular view. I am not suggesting the Minister of State oppose it on all fronts, but if it is his considered view that the moral authority of the Ombudsman, along with the structure and standing of that office, would work in the context of this legislation on the appeals side, I invite him to follow through on that.