Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

I fully appreciate the intention of this amendment which is to recognise the independence and hard work the current inspector has carried out. It is not usual, in respect of a statutory officer, to provide in law that a non-statutory officer shall be the first statutory officer. This is a matter to be decided when the term of the current incumbent comes to an end. I am not in a position to say to the House that automatically that person will be appointed. I may not be Minister at that time and whoever succeeds me might not be of the same view as Members on this matter. It is clear that in no sense is he disqualified from appointment to the position.