Seanad debates

Wednesday, 17 November 2004

Health and Social Care Professionals Bill 2004: Committee Stage.

 

4:00 pm

Maurice Hayes (Independent)

I hate to disagree with Senator Ryan. I do not believe a Minister should be too constrained in the appointment of a chairperson to a council. I accept that ideally he or she should have the ability to know what is going on, etc. In my experience, however, the best qualification for a chairperson is some horse sense, not necessarily degrees or academic qualifications. The role is essentially one of protecting the public. In my experience the people best able to protect the public are those who know what is going on in public. I accept that a certain level of know-how is needed to deal with issues, but it would be a mistake to try to be too prescriptive.

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