Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)

In terms of good practice, I acknowledge the Minister of State's amendment to remove the chief executive officer from the board. That is a welcome move and is helpful to the Bill. It is not like me to be mischievous and to try to up the ante in regard to the 50%. If that impression has been created, let it rest lightly with the Minister of State. I am not opposed to Deputy Howlin's amendment requiring a 40% minimum of both genders in terms of board membership. However, it is important we try to up the ante to achieve these things. It is Government policy to achieve 40% membership by women. Either of these amendments would ensure it is not an aspirational target but one which must be met. That would significantly strengthen the Bill. I hope the Minister of State is prepared to accept one or other of the amendments. It would be helpful if he were to do so.

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