Joe Walsh (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)

It is considered that the use of the "not less than 2" formula is reasonable, proportionate and gives a good weighting to horticulture. On foot of this formula, it will be open to the Minister of the day to appoint three or four people with knowledge or experience of horticulture to the main board. However, there will be not less than two with such knowledge or experience.

It would be extremely restrictive to use the word "practising" because we are discussing a promotion and marketing board. There could be someone with a good deal of experience of marketing and promoting the national and international profile of the industry who would be suitable to serve on the board. The position is similar to that which exists in respect of the establishment of panels of persons for election to the Seanad. In that context, knowledge or experience in a particular area plays a major part. Knowledge and experience widens the scope of different disciplines within a particular industry. In this instance, knowledge and experience are what we are seeking. We want to ensure the remit covers people with wide experience and not just those who are practitioners. However, the latter will also be included. For example, there is an amenity horticulturist in Kildare who is already a member of An Bord Glas. Practitioners make a tremendous contribution to the board. We are serious about the industry, food, horticulture and the capabilities of the people who will be appointed. I, therefore, cannot accept the amendment as proposed.

Senator Quinn raised an interesting issue about the use of the term "not less". If the term was input into a computer, a red line would probably appear underneath it because that is what happens when there is a misspelling or when a word is used incorrectly. Language has moved on and I am sometimes surprised by the language we hear on national radio and television. This language is sometimes referred to as being "mid-Atlantic" in nature. I was not taught that kind of English when I attended primary school in west Cork. In any event, the point about the term "not less" is moot. We brought this matter to the attention of the Parliamentary Counsel who insisted that the term is legally sound. However, I will consider the matter further before Report Stage and, by the time I return, I may have a more elaborate clarification for Senator Quinn.