Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We are all agreed, for example, that someone should represent the business sector but our concern is the quality of the people and that they have a knowledge of the area rather than ticking a few boxes such as they run a shop, are former councillors and are friendly with the majority of members of the new ETB. There is one possibility that would still give power to the elected members and for which there is precedent. I respect the fact that the members will be elected, which is a strength of the current VECs and will be a strength of the ETBs, but we could list in a Schedule attached to the legislation nominating bodies for business. There could be a person representing the business community nominated by A, B, C, D or E. That could be the chamber of commerce, IBEC or A. N. Other. Such nominations might get through but, ultimately, the decision on co-option would be made by the members.