Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 6:

In page 20, to delete lines 26 to 30.

It is difficult to understand why a particular official, director, president or so on with a view on a particular policy area would be restricted from expressing it, particularly at a committee as outlined. That opinion cannot or may not always be interpreted as a criticism of a Minister or Government, but if the person has a valid opinion relevant to an issue of policy or otherwise, he or she should be allowed to express it. Tying that person's hands seems to be a serious response if it is to be used to prevent an official from expressing a valid view instead of using this facility to criticise a Minister or Government. However, for a director to be prevented from expressing a valid view is a callous way of muzzling somebody.