Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)

The proposal in the original Bill when it came before the other House was that the Secretary General should issue the authorisation. A strong view was expressed by Members on all sides of the House that the Minister should issue these authorisations. The Bill was amended to this effect.

The Senator's amendment proposes to add the words "and terms", which is neither necessary nor appropriate. There is no reference to "terms" anywhere in section 13 of the Bill as amended and passed by the Dáil. This subsection is merely about the authorisation of officers and it puts the onus for making appointments back on the Minister and the political system rather than on the administrative system.