Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

No, but it is important. The term "Members of the Oireachtas" would cover those. In fairness, there is a right to be heard. Senators would have a broad objective. Should he wish to be more specific the Minister of State could include the word "resident".

I compliment Senator Jim Walsh on this. He has put in a great deal of work behind the scenes with the Minister in discussing a formulation. The boards would not be representative of the councils as such. It is far better to provide for the inclusion of the councils instead of these statutory boards, which have a broad remit. Senator Walsh has done a great service in working to bring this about.