Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are bringing in a provision for mandatory appearance. This has not happened before. In subsection (1) it is stated "may by resolution require the chairperson ... to attend". Senators Craughwell and Healy Eames spoke about accountability, but this Bill gives local authority members the ability to require the chairperson to come before them. These powers will in many ways be similar, though not identical, to those of an Oireachtas committee. We will still have ports commercially trading and which have a commercial mandate, so in recognition of the fact we are granting a substantial new power to local authority members, we are seeking a balance in order that we create a framework within which that power can be appropriately and responsibly discharged. This section gives local authority members the power to require the chairperson or chief executive to appear before them rather than just to invite them to appear.