Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yes. I do not have a difficulty one way or the other in respect of this but normally the chairperson of the board asks for specific expertise in a particular area when it comes to these appointments.

Plenty of individuals within NGOs may have the required expertise and may come from this background, but the amendment does not provide for the flexibility I would like. What the Deputy is seeking has a great deal of merit and I ask her to discuss the amendment with the senior official who works with me on the appointment of board members to ensure that when we advertise these posts, we can reflect the principle of what she is looking for and we can appoint someone to the board from that background.