Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am particularly concerned about this because the chief deciding officer will have a hugely important role. I acknowledge the Minister has no say in deciding whether amendments are in order. It is very surprising and presumptive that amendment No. 16, put forward by the Sinn Féin Senators, has been ruled out of order. It proposed that the Minister, from among all his or her officers, should select somebody who is a suitably qualified, trauma-informed professional. The really important aspect, which absolutely is within the power of the Minister, is ensuring the chief deciding officer is subject to ongoing international human rights training and is experienced in managing and operating a restorative justice payment scheme.

As these amendments are not accepted, there is not really anything in this section that tells us what kinds of qualities and the type of experience and expertise, whether expertise on trauma, international human rights or restorative justice payment schemes, will be the key requirements for appointing the chief deciding officer. Candidates will be excluded if they have been sentenced for an offence of fraud and dishonesty. We have the basic exclusions as to who cannot be chief deciding officer but we do not have much information on what qualities he or she should have. I reserve the right to bring forward amendments on Report Stage in this regard. We may introduce a slightly different version of the provision whereby employees of the Minister must meet certain requirements as to the type of expertise that is essential to the performance of this incredibly crucial task.