Liam Twomey (Fine Gael)

I second the amendment. This is important because it means the Minister may change how this legislation affects all workers or a group of workers in the Civil Service or public service.

I refer to the issue of the Taoiseach's remuneration which we discussed earlier. I thank the official from the Department of Finance for giving me additional information on this.

It occurred to me afterwards to ask whether this is watertight or whether a ministerial regulation or a statutory instrument is needed. Is there a requirement for a gentleman's agreement to make this work? Some concerns were raised by Senator Alex White on Committee Stage. While they have been clarified, I need to know whether a ministerial regulation or a statutory instrument is required to make this work properly.

The key is that the Minister has the power to alter the terms of this legislation affecting a large or a small group of workers without having to come back to the Houses of the Oireachtas. That is a significant issue and it should be opposed. No major changes should be made without the approval of the Houses of the Oireachtas.