Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

When I first came here 21 years ago I found that every piece of legislation lacked a provision to make sure each body reported within a short period. When I sought reports from a number of bodies, of which RTE was one, I found that they would not have been published until a year later, whatever about reported. That is why I stipulated reports had to be published before 30 June of the following year. After a short period the different Departments decided that no matter what happened they would include the proviso that a report must take place by 30 June, which was also included in this legislation. Today I ask the Minister to consider having an annual report published earlier than 30 June. I was delighted to hear what he said about another item that I argued strongly for in the past.
Section 32(4) states, "The Commission shall arrange for an annual report that has been laid before each House of the Oireachtas in accordance with subsection (1) to be published on the internet as soon as practicable after copies of the report are so laid." Section 32(4)states, "The Commission shall not later than 30 June." I suggest the date is amended to 31 March as it is now possible to compile a report a lot earlier, particularly an annual report, rather than automatically wait until June. I urge him to consider shortening the time allowed. I have not tabled an amendment but suggest the shorter timeframe is considered for all bodies. A body like the Competition Authority could compile its report before the end of January.