Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State referenced his amendment No. 129. He believes that provides balance. Can the Minister of State explain how it assist in balancing the board? He stated that my party's amendment will create an opposite imbalance. He may call me old-fashioned if he wants, but I would sooner have an imbalance based on expertise, law and knowledge. That is why I believe that amendment No. 130, and, specifically, amendment No. 131, which refers to a representative of the fishing industry, are vital if we are to have a board that will be balanced.

The Minister of State made the point about having special committees set up to feed information, data and suggestions to the committee, but I ask myself then if the experts will be one step away from the decision-making process in that regard when they should be in the room making the decisions.

The Minister of State mentioned the word "spirit". It is an important word. This is important stuff. This board needs to have the right configuration. That is a vital aspect.