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

I understand the Deputy's genuinely-held views on the issue. Currently, the council decides, by resolution, what nominees go on the various statutory and non-statutory bodies. If is difficult to prescribe, in primary legislation, for a local authority to act in particular circumstances. I am not sure if we could do that. I did look at it. However, from talking to local authority members around the country, I am confident that 99% of councillors are very good and genuine people. I do not foresee a situation whereby they would obstruct a woman, or her wishes to have a substitute when on maternity leave, by stopping her from joining various committees. I genuinely feel that way, from the engagement I have had with local authority members. Our hope and aspirations for local authorities and, indeed, the culture change that we are discussing, wold be severely damaged if that were to happen. We will do our best to act if it does happen, but I do not see it happening. I have good faith in our local authority members. I genuinely do think that they will embrace this change. I attended the AILG conference last week and I have engaged widely across levels. Many councillors ring me from week to week. I am confident that they will embrace the change.