Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----as well as his intention to pursue the matter on Committee Stage. There is no point in suggesting that the current system is some sort of a panacea. Under the current legislative arrangements, as I said, the Clerk of the Dáil is appointed by the Taoiseach on the recommendation of the Ceann Comhairle, following consultation by the latter with the Oireachtas Commission. Many of the criticisms people have laid here today could also be laid at the current system. The Bill is trying to modernise the system and give Members of the Oireachtas flexibility. It recognises that these posts are extremely demanding and there is a need to reflect on and reconsider that. It gives the Oireachtas the flexibility to make decisions on tenure that Members feel are most appropriate. I commend the Bill to the House and will relay the concerns of Senators to the Minister, Deputy Howlin.