Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

The Bill will shortly establish the PIAB. Given that 27,000 claims have to be processed, it would be impractical to reduce the time limit to six months. Every effort will be made to settle these cases as quickly as possible. Most of the cases will be settled in weeks rather than months. The volume of work will be so great that the hands of the board would be tied if this amendment were accepted. I do not support the amendment.

That Senator O'Toole sits on the interim board gives him a tremendous insight into the workings of the board and shows the advantage of Oireachtas Members being on interim or semi-State boards. I am pleased the legislation does not preclude their membership of the board. His knowledge of the Bill will be a great advantage to the PIAB. He would make a tremendous chief executive if ever he were to decide to leave this House.