Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)

Is there any room for compromise on this? I accept the point that there cannot be an advocate on the appeals board for somebody who comes before it. The board has a different role, to make a decision based on facts as opposed to life experiences. Is there a way in which they can even be consulted with regard to the appointments? Would that be reasonable? I have no problem with students being on the board but I see the challenge that could arise. Could the students be consulted and asked to nominate people? It would give them a voice inasmuch as they would be consulted on the process and they could nominate a person who would meet the criteria. The question of whether the person is one of them or not is a different issue that would have to be decided. However, that might be helpful.

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