Feargal Quinn (Independent)

While I have supported Senator Phelan in many other areas, the Minister is right in this case. The Bill states the term will not exceed five years. In 1979 the Government asked Dr. Michael Smurfit to become chairman of Telecom Éireann. He made it a condition that he would have a five year term before he accepted. It takes that length of time to make any changes necessary. Because the phrase "not exceeding" is used, a person could be given a three or four year term.