Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

An issue was raised on Committee Stage about appointment of members and this amendment deals with that aspect. The purpose of the amendment is to ensure that groups working in the area of tackling disadvantage and with persons with a disability have the opportunity to make submissions concerning the appointment of four of the ten ordinary members to the board. I have never been keen on members to boards representing an organisation because once they go on the board they must represent the board. I might not be right in that view. I might not be going with what is now considered the prevailing wisdom, but in an effort to take on board the points made on Committee Stage we suggest that submissions should be taken on four of the ten ordinary members and that they would be considered in making appointments.