Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The use of the word "competent" in this context is subjective. Authorised officers who are appointed will be suitably trained and qualified to act in a professional manner in respect of the duties undertaken under this Bill and will be fully familiar with the regulatory environment within which they operate. That is of major importance and it is a given. They have to be competent and must know what they are going about. There is no doubting that fact.

It is the responsibility of the Minister to ensure that only appropriate people are appointed as authorised officers. The Bill states that the Minister may appoint such persons as he considers appropriate and it is implicit that authorised officers will be suitable. To define "competent" in the legislation could be open to several different interpretations. It is for the Minister to determine who is competent to be an authorised officer, based on the purpose for which the person is appointed. There is a need for these officers to be competent and there is no doubt that they must know what they are going about. This is a complex area and they must be people with a knowledge. That is what this about. Therefore, we are not accepting the amendment.