Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

He is doing an excellent job and there is no reason he should be excluded. The only other people excluded are those serving a term of imprisonment and members of local authorities. Members of local authorities put themselves forward for election. Many of them have numerous qualifications as community workers, social workers, doctors etc., which could be of assistance to the Heath Information and Quality Authority. The provision is debarring quality people from serving in another way on state boards.

I previously have been in the position in which the Minister of State finds himself. I appreciate he is dealing with the Bill in the House as the Minister is not available today. I appeal to the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Power, between now and Report Stage on Thursday, to communicate the view expressed by Senators Browne, Glynn and myself in this regard. We feel that retaining this provision would be prejudicial against the best interests of local authorities. Local authority members have been elected since 1899, which was long before the State was founded. They have served the State very well for more than 100 years. Dropping the provision would not mean local authority members would need to be members of the authority, but would allow it to happen. The provision makes it less attractive for people to become local authority members, as doing so would exclude them from serving on this and many other boards. On behalf of local authority members, I discussed the matter at the Fianna Fáil Ard-Fheis and I conveyed my concern at the provision. I know the Acting Chairman will ask how many times the Fianna Fáil Ard-Fheis has been mentioned.