Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I echo what Deputy Troy has said. On Committee Stage, we had a good discussion on the possibility of increasing the number of people who will sit on these boards, including in areas where there will be more than one local authority after the amalgamations take place. In fairness, the Minister took many of the issues we raised into consideration. It is difficult to strike a balance between having the right number and having the right expertise. If we go too far, we will make the boards unwieldy. I welcome the Minister's decision, on reflection, to increase the numbers. I believe we will have a much better balance in light of these amendments, which we intend to support.

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