Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will read the speaking note relating to the section and return to the specific issues raised by the Senator. This section provides that ReBo may appoint as many members of staff and at such grades as it deems appropriate. The current text provides that ReBo must obtain the approval of the Minister, given with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, before taking on staff. However, I intend to bring forward an amendment today which will remove the requirement to obtain the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

The current text also provides that the appointment of staff is to be on such terms as the Minister determines, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, and is subject to the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004. I will bring forward an amendment today to provide for additional, alternative terms of appointment for ReBo staff, determined by the board of ReBo and approved by the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. This amendment would make this section consistent with section 53 relating to the appointment of the chief executive of ReBo.

Effectively, these people will be part of the wider public service because of the requirements of the 2004 Act. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform is effectively being involved as a triple lock to ensure any agreement will be consistent with an appropriate number of staff and the terms and conditions which go with that. It is fair to say that the establishment of ReBo - we do not yet have anyone and we must have the power to act - is important in operating a new restructured credit union service. We all appreciate the necessity for this restructuring, which must be done on a professional basis. As I understand it, there will be an effective triple lock between the board, the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The terms and conditions will be no different to the terms and conditions pertaining in the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointments) Act 2004, which basically governs recruitment and appointments.