Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

University Senators are not obliged to have this requirement and do not have to be graduates of the college concerned. However, I am wandering.

The Minister is required by section 57CX(2) to consult both the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and organisations representing consumers before appointing members of the panel. I have no doubt that consumer organisations will support the appointment of persons with direct experience of consumer protection but, to be of most use to the authorities as a sounding board for consumer interests, it is very important that others with a contribution to make in this area should also be on the board. Here the Minister has in mind persons involved in consumer education and advocacy, including those who write on the subject.

The Minister does not think it would be helpful, as suggested by the second amendment, to exclude entirely from consideration persons with ties to providers of financial services. A consumer organisation might wish to propose the appointment of an independent financial adviser on the grounds that his or her knowledge of financial services would make him or her a suitable member of the consumer panel.

I hope Senators accept the Minister's intention that the authority can benefit from a wide range of expertise among the members of the panel, including expertise in consumer protection, but that it would not be wise to be too prescriptive, particularly given the consultative role of consumer organisations on panel membership.