Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I welcome the Minister. I have not spoken about this matter since Second Stage. I believe I understand the purpose of the provision. Obviously vets are represented on the council and the objective is to retain one member who is not a vet. The point made by Senator Henry is correct. I was on the board of a State company at one time. When appointing the board, the Minister asked if I had any suggestions. I said I just wanted the best people regardless of who they were. The Minister responded very well by making sure the best people were appointed and did not eliminate anybody based on particular criteria. Senator Henry has already been more eloquent than I could be. It would be a shame to disqualify somebody from this job because he or she was a vet. While the intention could be included, it should not be so strict as to disqualify a vet. The Minister should reconsider the matter.