Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

On the face of it, this seems reasonable, but if the president, himself or herself, was the person to be removed, it would be difficult to see him or her recommending that. A member of the council can only be removed in specific circumstances such as illness, stated misbehaviour and matters covered under the ethics in public office legislation. A member cannot be removed because he or she is someone the Minister of the day does not like. A member can only be removed for particular reasons and I do not believe it has ever happened in the past.

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