Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

These Government amendments are of a technical, drafting nature. On foot of the debate on an amendment tabled by Senator Browne on Committee Stage, it is accepted that the public interest should be identified as a distinct constituent of a committee of the council, including disciplinary committees. While I understand fully the thinking behind the Senators' amendments, I consider amendments Nos. 8 and 28, which amend section 23 on committees of council and section 50 on disciplinary committees, respectively, deal with the issues raised.

Amendment No. 8 proposes that in making appointments to a committee under subsection (2), the council shall have regard to the need to include an appropriate number of persons representative of the interests of the general public. Amendment No. 28 proposes that in page 33, line 33, after "registrants" to insert ", at least one of whom shall be representative of the interest of the general public". I do not, therefore, propose to accept amendments Nos. 25 and 27.