Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

While I do not object to the amendment, I am concerned about the power to designate a committee of the Houses. The legislation should provide that the Oireachtas shall engage in a specific activity rather than allowing a Minister based in Merrion Street to retain the power to tell the Oireachtas what it should do. This goes against the grain of the stated intentions of the Government, as set out in programme for Government. It would be preferable if the relevant committee were provided for in statute and the Minister was not given powers of discretion in this matter.