Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I would like to add my voice to the argument that is being made. If one of the many doctors who are serving on local authorities is nominated to the Medical Council, he or she will be prevented under this Bill from accepting that position. I do not see any reason for this unfair provision, which discriminates against doctors who are members of local authorities. I fail to understand the rationale behind this measure. It is not proposed to prohibit barristers, teachers or members of other professions from serving on the Medical Council. This Bill is changing the procedures which apply when members of the Medical Council are nominated to serve on local authorities. It is not clear whether they will have to resign immediately, or will be allowed to stay on the board of the council until its term comes to an end.

I ask the Minister to review this provision in light of the representations we have made. Has she brought proposals to the Cabinet on the establishment of a select committee to examine the role of members of local authorities who wish to serve on boards? A composite Bill may have to be introduced after the next general election to remove inconsistencies from the legislation that has been passed in recent years. Senator Browne mentioned that when the Minister, Deputy Harney, was the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, she decided to allow public representatives to serve on the Personal Injuries Assessment Board. Senator O'Toole, who is the vice chairperson of the board, is performing well in that capacity. The Minister does not seem to have an overall philosophy of excluding elected members of local authorities and Members of the Oireachtas from serving on public bodies. This provision is resented, as it is in other Bills. If one is a doctor and a councillor one cannot serve on the Medical Council.

When does the Minister propose the group will meet? We have received a letter from the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Seán Power, indicating the Minister's agreement to the establishment of a select committee of the Cabinet or composed of Members of the Houses to debate this matter and to make a policy decision.