Brendan Ryan (Labour)

I disagree with the Minister and Members should set some minimum standard in this respect. Four times a year would constitute a reasonable minimum figure. Aside from this Bill, I must engage in further research in this regard. I find this to be an invitation to a domineering chief executive to minimise the role of the board, especially if the chief executive and chairman came to a convenient arrangement. While I do not imply improper behaviour, it would be very convenient for a domineering chief executive to minimise the number of meetings and consequently the input of the board.

Moreover, there is nothing that a member of the board can do about this. I can see no provision to allow members of the board to call a meeting against the wishes of the chairman. There is no provision for them to hold a minimum number of meetings. I do not raise these points to be awkward, but as constructive suggestions in respect of how such agencies should perform their business, according to minimum standards of what I regard as good corporate governance.