Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I second the amendment. I will speak to amendments Nos. 11 to 14, inclusive, which include an amendment in the names of Senators Norris and O'Toole. Theirs has a slightly different nuance, although it addresses the same point as that of the Labour Party.

Sections 58(3) and 59(2), both of which we propose to delete and replace, are very prescriptive and impose extreme restrictions on the chairperson and chief executive officer. The alternative wording in amendment No. 11 provides a somewhat more nuanced approach to the giving of evidence, while still meeting Government objectives, as Senator White stated.

Amendment No. 13 would have a somewhat different effect in that it would give more scope to the chairperson and chief executive officer to question or express an opinion on the merits of Government policy. It would simply allow them to decline to express or question an opinion. There is a difference between the amendments. If amendment No. 11 is rejected, amendment No. 13 can be put separately. I am not sure all the amendments should be grouped together. While I know we can vote on them separately, it must be noted there is a difference in their effect.