With regard to subsection (3) the Minister in his Second Stage speech referred to the fact that they were making these alterations concerning the involvement of the Department of the Public Service at every opportunity that made itself available to them as far as semi-State bodies were concerned at the behest of the Minister for the Public Service. I should like to know if this will involve any undue interference by the Minister for the Public Service in what has been a very smooth running operation in CTT heretofore. I should also like to have the Minister's assurance that this will not result in delays in negotiation procedures in so far as the Department of the Public Service are concerned. I think the Department of the Public Service is superfluous to the administrative make-up of the State, and it seems to be creating further involvements for itself to maintain its continuity.
Export Promotion (Amendment) Bill, 1983: Committee and Final Stages.
I want to assure the Deputy that this conforms to the general practice regarding all semi-State bodies. It is only a technicality, because the procedures envisaged within it are already in operation within the context of remuneration, etc. in CTT.
It is not in conformity with what is general practice in so far as semi-State bodies are concerned. This is a new departure, and it has been incorporated in all legislation now concerning new Bills coming before the House regarding semi-State bodies. We are being asked to give our consent to this, and I should like the Minister to elaborate a little more.
I assure the Deputy that this will not delay any proposals regarding remuneration and conditions of employment of the staff of CTT.
Would the Minister say what difference the involvement of the Department of the Public Service is going to have in so far as the remuneration or otherwise of a board such as CTT are concerned? It is not good enough just to make a bland statement that they will not be interferred with.
I assure the Deputy that there is nothing different from what has been the practice heretofore. It is merely legalising the situation.