John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I second Senator Ryan's amendment. This particular type of phraseology is much used in legislation I have seen going through the House with regard to State agencies. It is important where serious consideration is given to whistleblowing legislation across the board in certain new items of legislation. I believe it is part of the renewed programme for Government that such provisions are made.

This is not strictly a whistleblowing amendment but it is an opportunity to allow the director general of FÁS to express an opinion. The Minister in response will point out that it would be unsatisfactory if the director general expressed a view that was completely contrary to Government policy. The phraseology of that part of section 4, which states that in the duties of the director general they shall not question or express an opinion on the merits of any policy of the Government or a Minister, is archaic and does not fit with the times in which we live. It certainly should not fit with any attempts by any Government to introduce transparency into the way it operates the semi-State sector.