Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

To confirm, there will be ten people on the board, that is, five and five. Given the complex nature of the work that will be carried out here, the chair will need significant legal and other skill sets because the gravity of the decisions this body will be making in terms of limiting an individual's right to work is very significant.

I must, unfortunately, oppose all of these proposed amendments, Nos. 19 to 23, inclusive. However, I am minded to review the proposals that the appointments be made through the Public Appointments Service. I am also minded to review the proposals that certain skills and expertise should be a prerequisite for membership of the board. On amendment No. 22, I agree with the policy intention that specialist expertise is required and that certain bodies, including the registration body, should nominate persons to be members of the board. In light of this and the discussion we have had, we will review section 22 of the Bill and bring forward amendments on Report Stage.