Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for her amendment. Section 12 of the Broadcasting Act 2009, as amended by section 7 of the Bill, sets out the conditions of office of a commissioner. The section also provides, as we discussed in relation to the preceding amendments, that the Government may remove a commissioner in very specific circumstances. Given the gravity of such a decision and to meet the requirements of natural justice, this section sets out very clear steps for removing a commissioner.The Government must give a notice in writing of a statement proposing to remove a commissioner to that commissioner, setting out very clearly the reasons for the proposed removal and providing an opportunity for the commissioner to make representations to the Government. Section 12(10) provides that should the Government decide to remove a commissioner following the issuance of a notice, the Government must lay before each House of the Oireachtas a statement in writing of the decision and the reasons for it. Amendment No. 43 would require the Government to also provide the relevant Oireachtas committee with a statement. Given section 12(10) already provides that a statement should be laid before the Oireachtas, I am advised that this would fundamentally be a duplicate provision and I do not propose to accept the amendment.