David Norris (Independent)

I am not directly discussing that amendment but am using it as an analogy for what I wish to say, namely, that in the composition of these committees, whatever about muzzling of civil servants - I point out that the Minister has indicated there are precedents in other enactments to justify this - or utterances made in public, will the Minister agree that given this is such a serious matter it is important we have not destructive but intelligently critical people who will have the breadth of expertise and intelligence to give a critique from inside? This does not mean exclusively people from either House of the Oireachtas. I would hope to be a member of this committee be it an existing committee following expansion or a new committee. It is important this type of critical intelligence is sought. I speak in this regard of people like Mr. Peter Matthews who was extraordinarily impressive recently in analysing the situation. It is hoped that, if we are to obtain the benefit of the best and most varied input, we will include people who will alert us to possible dangers which may not have been by those closest to the preparation of this Bill.

I refer to a comment made by Senator Donohoe about his first employer who said that the guiding principle of their relationship was that there should be no surprises. I regret to say that life is full of surprises. It is not possible to edit all of them out but it is good to make prudent provision to ensure one is alerted to as many of these potential dangers as possible.