Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I do not believe any critical reference was made either by Senator Ruane or myself to the Public Appointments Service at any point in our contributions lest there be any misconstruction on that. I outlined a few roles I thought it might play regarding the proposal I made. The Public Appointments Service plays a role in nominating the potential members of commission and that is reflected in my proposal. I have also put forward the idea that the Public Appointments Service could suggest a number of potential candidates for the chair, from whom the commission members would choose. Both my proposals relate to the Public Appointments Service and recognise there is an active role for it.

I appreciate the Minister will give some consideration to the question of areas of academic experience. I remain concerned about the issue of public administration. The inclusion of the word "administration" in my amendment allows for administrative experience of whatever form to be reflected, but the fact that "public administration" is explicitly mentioned in the section while other areas of administration are not seems to point to it being one of the specific areas of preferred skills that need to be incorporated. If the reference to "public administration" is to remain in the section, the Minister might indicate if he is open to being clear on the point that while persons may have had experience in public administration, they should no longer be in a position where they are answerable to a Minister or other political leader in that context. There may be scope for ensuring it relates to persons who have previous experience in public administration, if that reference must remain in the section. All of us are endeavouring to ensure that independence is both delivered and seen to be delivered in every aspect of this Bill.