Madam, – In discussing the need for strong oversight of Nama, Noel Whelan (Opinion, August 1st) mentioned that the draft legislation provides for a special Oireachtas committee to oversee Nama in addition to the Public Accounts Committee. I wonder how effective these committees will be given that the draft legislation contains clauses (50 and 51) which preclude the chief executive officer and the chairperson of the board of Nama from (a) questioning or expressing an opinion on the merits of any policy of the Government or a Minister or on the merits of the objectives of such a policy or (b) producing a specified document in which the chief executive officer or the chairperson questions or expresses an opinion on the merits of any such policy or such objectives.
Surely, these “gagging clauses” will preclude key officials from speaking openly on fundamental issues and effectively nobble comprehensive scrutiny of Nama. – Yours, etc,
BRIAN FLANAGAN,
Ardmeen Park,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.
Madam, – May I applaud your correspondent Stephen Collins (August 1st) in calling for a 50 per cent cut in ministerial pay and pensions. It has now become clear that the Celtic Tiger years have resulted in a situation where significant numbers of people are overpaid and we are all going to have to return to more modest levels of remuneration, while protecting those who are vulnerable.
Stephen Collins’s call for “a truly dramatic gesture” in this regard from the Government is both apt and timely. The people are craving for this kind of leadership. – Yours, etc,
PATRICK NOLAN,
Sunnyhill Park,
Bray Road,
Loughlinstown,
Dublin 18.
Madam, – The airways and print media are awash with well-paid, well-heeled commentators, seriously agreeing why the poorest of the poor should take a cut in the minimum wage. It’s almost funny. – Yours, etc,
BREEDA KELLY,
St Brigid’s Terrace,
Rathnew, Co Wicklow.