Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The board is not a large one; it is a small board. I am talking about the future, not merely the current time.

If I were to accept this amendment, it would be too prescriptive. The part of the Bill that deals with the role of the board is such that the kind of experience and expertise that are regarded as needed have to be in matters connected to the functions of the agency. It is inevitable, therefore, that there will be people with the skills outlined in the amendment. There have certainly been instances in which legislation on the composition of other boards was too prescriptive. As Deputy Troy said, some boards have not worked. The outlines we give on the experience and expertise people should have will serve the agency well, not only now but also in the future.