Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

No. If five people were to appear before a committee, it would be extremely controversial. I can give the Deputy an assurance that if he wants to put forward suggestions to me, I will be more than happy to consider them. I often sit in ministerial office talking to officials. If one considers the Health and Social Care Professionals Council, which met for the first time on Monday, one would note that its members are extremely competent and highly trained individuals. There was widespread consultation on the establishment of that council. The Deputy made a valid point in highlighting that there may be excellent people in the country who do not know how to go about being nominated. I would be delighted to facilitate a role for people making suggestions and they would be taken very seriously.

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