Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am very happy to do that. I am very sorry if they took offence. It meant cancelling two appointments or one. That was what happened. I have been more than willing to meet anybody on this issue at any time and do anything to promote the interests of people with disabilities. It would not be fair to take offence. I have gone outside to meet people whenever any Member of the Oireachtas has asked me. I was delighted to do so.

I do not believe there is any question of bona fides there.

On the issue of State boards, Deputy Troy asked if I could have done it a year ago. Yes I could have, absolutely, but it is part of a policy generally which I am introducing into my Department to change the whole way that appointments are made to State boards and the type of people who sit on State boards. The Deputy will be aware that I put two people on to the Road Safety Authority who had gone through all the processes; it is not about me appointing them at all, I just make the final appointment. These two people were involved with road victims groups and had suffered tragically, but they have something unique to offer which was not there before. I want to do similar actions with other State boards, but it is a gradual process. This is part of the process. I want to make sure the users of the product, in this case the vehicles, are banging the table at the boards and in particular people who are vulnerable. This is a really appropriate type of procedure. It may mean that some people on State boards do not feel very comfortable. Good. I am delighted to hear that.