Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)

I move amendment No. 11:

In page 13, line 45, to delete "3" and substitute "4".

On Committee Stage, the Minister undertook to come back on this important issue, but I am not sure whether he has reconsidered his position. The element of the Bill this amendment seeks to amend has to do with the reduction in size of the board to make it more manageable and the consequent reduction in quorums to allow meetings take place regularly. This is something with which I agree, but the effect of one of the changes proposed by the Minister means the proportion of people representing those with disabilities will reduce from 25% to 20% on the new smaller board. I want to remedy that. There were five representatives on the old board, but the Minister wants three on the new board. Four would be a fairer figure and would keep up the proportion of representatives of people with disability on the new board. On those grounds I press my amendment.

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