David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support the thrust of this very useful amendment but it seems to me that the general framework of section 11(1)(b), which says that members shall "subject to subsection (2), be paid by the Commission such remuneration (if any)and allowances for expenses (if any) as the Minister with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform may from time to time determine", gives a very broad remit to the Minister, so he could certainly undertake this if he wanted to. The benefit of Senator Higgins's amendment is that it specifically includes "expenses for such training as might be appropriate to the functions of the Commission". With respect, I think it would be rather better if the Senator included the essence of the argument she made to the House, which was that this training was particularly for the lay members as they may need more training than the others. Perhaps it would be better if that was specified because it formed a large part of Senator Higgins's argument. I imagine the Minister might be open to this; I do not know. I do not think he is in the mood to accept too many amendments.