Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I understand the section allows for the appointment of individuals as inspectors, subject to specific contractual conditions. It would be for the authority to ensure compliance with those conditions and that there is proper compliance with the law. That is the essential position. For the Senator's information, the authority currently has four full-time inspectors who are appointed from within the authority's own staff. The current working of the Act does not allow for the appointment of outside inspectors, but the amendment in section 7 will enable that to happen, if necessary. The position with regard to the current wording of the Act is that it is unsatisfactory given the level of intimidation frequently faced by staff. The need for specialist knowledge arises in certain circumstances. The section allows for the contracting out of work, but it would be for the authority to ensure it was contracted to responsible people, that they do the work in an appropriate fashion and report back to the authority.