Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Coughlan. His presentation was very helpful and he concentrated on the areas he believes require some tweaking. The one aspect of his contribution I want to highlight and support strongly, although that does not mean I do not support the other statements he made, goes back to what I said about Shannon Chamber. It is important that the new Shannon Group is embedded in and connected to its hinterland and region. In that context, in terms of forward planning and the development of the land bank, it is important that the council retains the direct link currently provided through Mr. Coughlan by way of appointment. I would hope our submission to the Minister on this legislation would incorporate a requirement on whatever Minister is in place to give cognisance to that and that an ex officio position would be set aside for an officer of the council. It is preferable that the county manager, whoever that might be, would sit on the board and, if necessary, on some of the sub-committees, but that is the type of measure that would enhance the capacity of the overall governance of the new company and ensure it is appropriately connected in the region. I feel strongly about that.

Mr. Coughlan has identified the borrowing limit, which has arisen time and again. Issues arise also around the appointment of the boards of the subsidiary companies. I suggest to the Chairman, as a follow-on from our work today, that we invite officials from the Department of Finance, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform or whoever is responsible for the creation of this document to attend this committee in order that we can tease through the points all the witnesses raised with a view to ensuring those elements are included in the next draft of this Bill.