Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Nílim ag glacadh leis an leasú seo. Tá sé soiléir ón liosta fada atá ann, mar a luaigh an Teachta, go bhfuil neart cáilíochtaí faoi leith luaite, uimhir (e) ina measc, a luann economics or economic development. Measann muid go mbeadh eolas ag eacnamaí ar an social economy agus ar rudaí a bhaineann leis an timpeallacht. Mar sin, nílimid ag glacadh leis an leasú seo.

The reason we are not accepting the amendment is the Minister for Finance may appoint only persons with expertise and experience at a senior level in a number of designated areas, including, for example, investment, treasury management, risk management and corporate finance. They also include economics and economic development. From a quick perusal of economic courses at UCD, I note that a lot of the economists there have specific knowledge of these areas. On the generic term "economics or economic development" it is clearly important to have such knowledge. I am not inclined to accept the amendment because the list of relevant areas is extensive and general enough to allow those with a background in areas such as the social economy and environmental economics to be appointed.