Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

The quorum proposed is roughly one third of the membership and I and my officials consider it the best arrangement that could be arrived at. It is not a lot to ask that at least one third of the membership be available.

On amendment No. 21 relating to tele-conferencing, the existing provision does not preclude the holding of a meeting by such means providing all statutory conditions relating to the holding of meetings are satisfied. I acknowledge the spirit in which the Senator tabled the amendment, especially given that some members of the agency are resident or operate outside the State. This use of technology should be encouraged to save expense, but it is not necessary to provide specifically for tele-conferencing in the Bill.