Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister's decision to accept our proposal and extend the period to 12 years. His decision is also important from the point of view of training. Directors are being asked to undertake considerable additional training, as is appropriate, but given the voluntary nature of their role and the fact that some of them only attend board meetings once a month, they need longer to immerse themselves in the role than would be the case if it were full-time. I am pleased the Minister has agreed to change the position in this regard.