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

The way subsection 24(2) is written means that even if the word were "shall", paragraph (a) would still say "such other Ministers of the Government as the Minister considers appropriate". Subsection (2) is already qualified by the phrase "such public bodies as the Minister considers appropriate" and "any stakeholders or other persons the Minister considers appropriate". Paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) are already qualified, even if the word "shall" is changed, as per our amendment. Paragraph (d), relating to members of the public, is not qualified. I cannot see any reason not to have "shall" there. Effectively, by having not "shall" but "may" there, it means the Minister does not have to consult with members of the public. That is what the current wording means, and I do not see how it would be in any way acceptable, given the significance of these statements, that there would not be public consultation.