Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

I sympathise with what the Senator is trying to achieve here. However, this is happening. Appointments for Shannon and Dublin have already been made and the Senator can see the quality of the persons appointed. Appointments will be made for Cork shortly and we will have similar quality persons there.

The amendment seeks that we consult local development associations and chambers of commerce. I did that in appointing the two designate boards. If we put the requirement to consult chambers of commerce into the legislation, it makes it too prescriptive. If we make that requirement we might get letters from the IFA, the NRA and everybody else who also want to be included and the Bill would stretch on for about 40 sections. It is better not to get into naming associations in legislation of this sort. However, I reassure the Senator that I have taken, and will continue to take, account of the opinions of regional and local development associations and chambers of commerce.