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

I thank all the members of the committee. Let me refer to one of the documents I have been given by the Minister's office. Potential board appointees come through the Public Appointments Service process. The competencies sought in respect of board appointments are advertised, which allows candidates to be put forward for appointment based on the skills and experience they bring. The Minister does not intend to accept these amendments.

I know one board member. I do not know him personally but through an organisation, Barnardos, with which he worked. I am not sure whether I can comment on the individual expertise of the board members. Although they do not represent one particular group, they have expertise in other fields as well. I am not in a position to accept amendments from either Deputy.