John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

I do not disagree with Senator O'Toole and I have an open mind on the operational procedures that would effect the appointment. Nothing is set in stone in that regard.

Question put and agreed to.

NEW SECTION.

Government amendment No. 39:

In page 59, before section 76, to insert the following new section:

"76.—(1) The Minister shall, with the consent of the Minister for Finance provide the Tribunal with such and so many staff as he or she considers appropriate to perform the functions of a secretariat to the Tribunal including staff who while assigned to perform those functions are also assigned to perform similar functions on behalf of one or more other bodies (other than the Authority) established by or under an Act of the Oireachtas.

(2) The Minister shall, with the consent of the Minister for Finance provide the Tribunal with premises in which to perform its functions and, if the Minister and the Minister for Finance consider appropriate, such premises may be premises that are occupied by one or more other bodies (other than the Authority) established by or under an Act of the Oireachtas.".

The amendment emerges from the desire to ensure the new regulatory regime operates in an efficient way, allowing for sharing and pooling resources where possible to ensure value for money and to avoid unnecessary duplication. In this context, it is recognised that there are already in existence a number of appeals structures across several regulatory regimes and that it may be possible for the new charity appeals tribunal to avail of existing resources and facilities in carrying out its statutory role, which would reduce overheads and lead to a more streamlined process. This amendment provides for that possibility and is consistent with the principles of regulating better.