Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

How can it be an independent board when it is populated by officials from the Departments? As Deputy Boyd Barrett has said, it is not a criticism of officials from Departments to say they are heavily constrained. They do not have the independence of someone with expertise in the marine environment and biodiversity, or someone with academic expertise in this area. By their nature, departmental officials are constrained and cannot necessarily call it as they see it and as they want to see it. In any event, considering their roles elsewhere, they may be involved in this process if they are bringing their expertise with them. We are not necessarily allowing for sufficient expertise and independence in the legislation. Exactly as Deputy Boyd Barrett said, the legislation allows for a board with two officers from the Departments and one chair. There may be no one else on it at all if the Bill is passed based on the Minister of State's amendment.

It is potentially a board of three, with one chair and two Department officials. Why would we produce legislation that allows for a board with that composition and lack of wider expertise? I do not understand that.