James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 29:

In page 15, before section 19, to insert the following new section:

"19.—(1) The Commission shall consist of-

(i) the same office holders appointed to the Referendum Commission under section 2 of the Referendum Act 1998, and

(ii) 2 other persons with knowledge or experience in the field of information technology.

(2) The provisions of section 25 shall not apply to those appointed under paragraph (i) of this section.".

It is important that people of experience are appointed to these positions in order to get the best possible return and to ensure they know what they are doing. Such people of experience and knowledge should be appointed without favouritism.