Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

To be honest, I know that the Minister did say it, but I have to confess that I have forgotten what rank the director will be. If it is too much for him to say it again, so be it. I will consult the Official Report later to see what the answer was.

There is a second point: the terms and conditions of service of a member of the staff of the office shall be determined by the commission with the consent of the Minister and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Is it the case that the terms and conditions of a member of staff will be tied to those of public service grades? Will the commission be free to employ part-time staff or hire whomsoever it wishes on whatever terms it wishes? Will public sector pay policy be imposed by the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform? I note that a member of staff of the office is supposed to be part of the Civil Service of the State. That is appropriate and I have no problem with it. However, I have to ask whether somebody appointed under this section will have longevity of tenure on the same terms as a public servant. Will he or she be there until the age of 65 years if he or she so wishes, or whatever the retirement age will be, or will he or she be on a short-term contract? It is a matter of interest. This quango should be the subject of a repeal as soon as possible because it is an expensive mistake. I would not like a load of people to be appointed to it with the expectation that they have jobs for life.