Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senators for their contributions. This is not the first legislation in which local authority members have been barred from membership of particular boards. I am reminded of a former Member of the Dáil who was critical of such matters. In criticising some legislation he said that when first elected, back in the 1960s, if a postman's job became vacant in his constituency it was only a matter of nominating "his man" and he would get the job. Things had changed so much over the years with the introduction of new legislation, however, he said that if 100 people applied for such a job now, the only way he could guarantee it for his nominee would be to recommend the other 99. I suppose there is some truth in what he said.

I listened attentively to what the Senator said. I will discuss the matter with the Minister, Deputy Harney, and we will consider it for Report Stage.