Pat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I can see where Senator Burke is coming from. There may be persons with exceptional knowledge who can make a major contribution. It would have the effect of allowing a board member to be reappointed indefinitely in perpetuity. The provision allows a board member to service a maximum continuous term of ten years. It does not necessarily specify that a member can only serve ten years. There could well be a break and the member could serve a further period. It is in the interests of good corporate governance to ensure board members are changed to facilitate the development of new programmes by bringing in new people and new ideas to the board. That would generate new approaches and new thinking which would move forward the road safety agenda. If there is a person with exceptional qualities I believe he or she will make that contribution within a ten-year period. I am anxious to ensure good corporate governance. The legislation clearly provides that a continuous term of ten years does not deprive one of serving a further period at some time in the future.