Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Earlier, I outlined the provisions of the Bill on Second Stage and informed the House I would bring in this amendment. It is a small technical amendment. Section 31 provides for the designation of bodies by relevant Minsters for the purposes of holding hearings remotely. Under the provisions the Ministers may designate bodies that may hold remote hearings, and persons who would otherwise be required to attend in person can be required to attend remotely. Designated bodies will also have power to determine, following representations from the subject of the hearings, whether the holding of a hearing remotely would be unfair to that person or contrary to the interest of justice. Having considered the matter further, I believe it would be useful to clarify in the Bill that where the subject of the remote hearing is required to produce a document to a designated body, it can be sent by post, electronically or otherwise delivered to the body.

The second element of the amendment broadens the definition of the term "hearing" in section 31. This amendment will provide greater flexibility to the designated bodies. It will also allow them to conduct entire hearings, parts of hearings or the hearing of an appeal or part thereof, remotely. It is a small amendment to the Bill but it is essential. I commend it to the House.