Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

There would be much potential for conflicts of interest if the people making the legislation also served on some of the public bodies established under the legislation and which were governed by it. This issue relates to a prohibition that existed in regard to the involvement of members of local authorities. There is no reason whatsoever they should not be involved with bodies such as those in question. They perform a very important public role and devote a considerable part of their lives to public service.

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