Mr. Martin O'Sullivan:

Under the conflict of interest procedures, the individual would have to declare clearly that he or she had a conflict regarding the particular applicant. What the Arts Council wants in its membership is balance. In order to get the breadth of discussion on traditional arts, it is very important that the traditional artists on the council are there not to influence but to give the perspective of the sector. "Artist" is a broad term so there are members from different areas. The best decision-making happens through that type of process, but there is no doubt that for any discussion of particulars and any decision, the person leaves the room.