Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State and would like him to expand on something I asked about on Second Stage. Section 10 provides that: "Sport Ireland may appoint such consultants and advisers, as it considers necessary for the performance of its functions." The same section also provides that: "Sport Ireland shall comply with any directions concerning the employment of consultants and advisers which may from time to time be given to it by the Minister, given with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform." The Minister of State gave the impression on Second Stage that this relates very much to sporting consultants. It is strange for it to be specifically mentioned in the Bill. What would his Department consider appropriate by way of the appointment of consultants or advisers? Is there a limit whereby Sport Ireland would have to refer back to the Minister of State to make an appointment? Would we have a situation in which Sport Ireland would appoint consultants itself up to a certain cost without referring back to the line Minister?