Trevor Ó Clochartaigh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We have had a great deal of discussion over the last number of weeks on State board appointees. People with oversight roles on committees and boards have a duty to stand up for the rights of whatever groups they represent. If the citizens are to have confidence in the arms and structures of the State, it is important to provide for openness and transparency. Section 9 is very much a gagging clause in respect of the people who would be members of a committee. It shuts down people who might disclose information. Notwithstanding that it might be confidential information, it might relate to wrongdoing.

In light of the principles of transparency and accountability, Sinn Féin has a fundamental issue with a section which would preclude people from disclosing confidential information obtained by them while performing - or as a result of having performed - duties as a member of a committee unless he or she is authorised to do so by the Minister. It provides the Minister with a very strong hand over any person who has ever been a member of a relevant committee. Even if there were underhand things happening or matters about which a committee member was unhappy that were not in his or her opinion in the best interests of the country, he or she would be prohibited from disclosing the information. On that premise, we oppose the section.