Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I again assure Senators that there is nothing unique about the funding arrangements for this new body as set out in the legislation. Senator McDowell referred to section 30(2). I point to section 11(1)(b), which stipulates that funding, whether for the permanent members of the commission, lay members of the board or any other expenditure, will be in accordance with accepted practice and agreed by way of consultation between my Department and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. It will not be a case of the colourful picture painted by Senator McDowell of two Ministers deciding how much those people will be paid or otherwise. There are appropriate and accepted scales for the civil servants, part-time board members and board chairmen. All of this will be taken into consideration in accordance with accepted practice.