Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Board members can come from a range of backgrounds, bringing their expertise and skills. The board is the governing body for the HSE and we should not be too prescriptive in this legislation. I do not intend to get into the details of individuals and the board members. Board members do not represent groups. They are brought to the board because of their skills.

The Seanad amended the Bill to specifically provide for patient advocacy. There is no requirement on the board to have one individual who will just represent patients. Other people on the board also have skills in that area.