Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 13:

In page 9, line 25, to delete "Subject to subsection (4),".

This is similar to the earlier scenario where we are saying that the recruitment of a director general and directors would be subject to the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004 without being subject to subsection (4) and relates to the fact that people would automatically have to have been in the existing organisation before they can become directors of the new organisation.

The question of confidence in the process arises again. Given the difficulties that have arisen in the health service, it is a question of integrity and ensuring the peace of mind of the director. While I am sure the candidate's qualifications and experience will be such that he will sail through the process, the public has an entitlement that must borne in mind.

I will be happy to listen to the Minister's response. While we intend to withdraw the amendment, I ask the Minister to reflect on the matter between now and Report Stage. We must return to this on Report Stage in the interest of the public. Neither the public interest nor that of the Minister will be served if we put this provision into law temporarily. This also applies to the provision the Minister said he would reflect on between now and Report Stage. With respect to the Parliamentary Counsel people can credibly and justifiably say the legislation is a charade and means nothing.