Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I do not want to go on about it as I raised the matter last week. It should not be done in this way as there should have been consultation. If we want to avoid a division on the issue, the Taoiseach should accept the proposal being made by Deputy Kenny and myself that we would defer No. 7, discuss the problem and try to work out some resolution.

The appointment of the ordinary member should be done by agreement of the House. It is not like an appointment to an ordinary State board in the ordinary way. This is the body that oversees ethics and standards legislation. It is not desirable that there should be a political row over the appointment. Therefore, the best way to proceed is to deal with No. 6 and reappoint the chairperson, and then let us discuss the appointment of the ordinary member and see what can be done to resolve the matter.

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