Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We are very disappointed that amendments Nos. 16 and 17 are ruled out of order. We hoped at least amendment No. 17 would be allowed. However, we must accept the decision of the Chair. The purpose of the amendments was to ensure the chief deciding officer is sufficiently impartial and independent. This is an important point that survivors would want us to defend. The office of the chief deciding officer must be independent and, in particular, the recruitment of staff to the office must be done independently. Our amendment to ensure the chief deciding officer and his or her staff are sufficiently independent in their role is not allowed. This is an important point that should be addressed. I hope the Minister's vow of silence ends and he will give us a response on this section.