Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I asked politely about two matters, both of which are capable of being answered. Is the director a member of staff or not? If not, is he or she a civil servant, and where is the provision which makes the director a civil servant if he or she is not a member of staff?

I also asked for the rationale for somebody appointed to the position at the age of 52 being required to resign at the age of 62. I would like some indication on both of those things. If the whole Fine Gael Party must spend all night listening to the answers not being delivered, so be it. I am not obstructing. I am asking simple questions, which I am entitled to do as a legislator. What is the rationale for the provision for a maximum of ten years?

I have entitlements as an elected Senator. The Minister may laugh at the concept of an "elected Senator", but I have more first preferences than some Deputies, which I want to say before we get carried away. I was elected here with more first preferences.