Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

It is essential that members of the consumer panel should have a broad knowledge of consumer issues relating to financial services. Section 57CX(3) was amended in the Dáil by the Minister and it makes clear that the key criteria for appointment are knowledge or experience as consumers of financial services. The Minister does not think it would be wise to narrow down the criteria any further. After all, knowledge and experience are the criteria for qualification on a panel in the Seanad, if I may be allowed that witticism.