Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

It will be interesting to hear the Minister of State's view on local authority members. Perhaps there is some argument we should hear. I understand why there might be reasons for excluding Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas due to conflicts of interest. Based on my experience with local authority members over the years, I can say that they are people with an ear to ground who are exposed to a considerable amount of relevant experience. I would have thought that an appointment of this kind would be based on merit.

I listened to the other Senators, especially the contribution of Senator Ryan who argued that it could be interpreted that a local authority member is not, for some reason, a quality candidate and is inferior in some way. I cannot find any other logical reason for it. The same prohibition does not exist in other legislation where appointments are in question, especially in sensitive areas.

It is wrong if a lobby group is in some way making the pace on this and saying it does not want local authority members because we are the legislators. No outside group should be entitled to make such a case because we will not be able to cross-examine it. We will not have an opportunity to hear why it is making that case. The Minister's situation is different because she is at our disposal, not just in the Chamber but outside as well. I would be particularly interested because I think there is an implication there which is serious for local democracy. For that reason, it has to be teased out and we must get an explanation as to why it is there in the first place.