David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have a number of things to say about this. The first is about section 25(4), which states, "The Minister may, having consulted with the Commission, direct the Commission to provide a report under this section in such form and manner as the Minister may specify." I fail to see any reason at all, in democratic terms, that it should not be mandatory that the report should be laid before the Oireachtas. Why should it not be? What is the point in having an annual report that deals with matters of considerable significance to the Oireachtas and the public? It seems to be odd that we just have a situation where the Minister may direct and that he or she can prescribe the form and manner. That is quite extraordinary. The Minister may say this is general practice but just because practice is general, it does not mean it cannot be held to be bad and inadequate. This is bad and inadequate. If we have an annual report about the doings of the JAC, what better way is there to avoid the charges of cronyism that were made in Minister, Deputy Ross's, recent manifesto or leaflet? What better way can there be to counter these accusations than to publish the report annually? Could the Minister give any indication as to situations in which he would direct that a report not be published? What is meant by "in such form and manner"? I presume it does not mean it will be published in Braille or only in the Irish language.

With regard to the amendment, the House has shown considerable interest in gender diversity and I notice a comma in Senator Higgins's published amendment. I would have thought it was "gender diversity" and not "gender, diversity".