Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 19:

In page 7, to delete lines 16 to 19.

The purpose of this amendment is to delete section 105A(4), which states that a person appointed to be the chairperson under this section who ceases to hold office, either due to an expiration of his or her one-year temporary term or because the chair is permanently appointed, may be reappointed by the Government for a second term. This is the only section in the Bill in respect of which there is any urgency. A great deal has been inappropriately attached to addressing a small and specific issue relating to the appointment of an interim chair. The legislation is being used opportunistically to put through many things. Who knows what else will come forward in the Dáil?

Amendment No. 19 simply states that even if an interim chair is appointed, he or she should not serve more than one year on a temporary basis. The term should not be extended for a second year because a year should be enough time for the Government to be able to appoint a permanent chair. If ensuring that there is a chair for An Bord Pleanála is enough of a priority for the Government, then extending the term by a whole year should not be necessary. A 12-month period is more than enough to ensure that a role can be filled. If a role is not filled within 12 months, this indicates that filling the role is not being afforded sufficient priority by the Government. I do not think we need to have a rolling temporary chair. I am not opposing the appointment of an interim or temporary chair; I am only opposed to the extension of the term for which he or she will serve. There is a role for an interim chair, but it should not become the norm.