Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

The point has been well made by Senators Cummins, Wilson, Quinn and O'Toole. It is a cross-party issue. The Minister of State is probably genuine in saying he will give it serious consideration overnight. Amendments Nos. 13, 14 and 15 are intertwined. If I put the amendment to a vote, I will be unable to resubmit it on Report Stage. In view of that, I hope the Minister of State gives an honest commitment to examine this seriously. I agree with Senator O'Toole. I accept the point with regard to Members of the Oireachtas but local authority members are central to this issue. There is no reason that they should be precluded from being on the board. They have vast experience. They might never be on the board but we, as legislators, should not bar them from it. If the Minister of State gives me that commitment, I will not press the amendments tonight but will resubmit them for Report Stage.