David Norris (Independent)

I second the amendment. I am happy to support my colleague, Senator Mullen. This seems to be a very sensible thing. Most organisations and groups, including this House, have provision for a quorum. The James Joyce Centre, of which I am a director, and the Friends of the Library, of which I am chairman, have requirements to be quorate.

Senator Mullen is also very sensible to ensure there should be a substantial representative of the public interest so that one cannot have a meeting below a certain level that is dominated by the press interest. This is not a matter that will strengthen the Press Council. I already described the Press Council as having no teeth. I tried to insert one tooth and the Minister repelled my attempts at legislative dentistry. This is a very wise matter. I recognise that we are getting very close to the end of the Bill and I imagine the Minister will not be in a position to accept this. However, he may do what he has done on other occasions, namely, say it is something he will think about and introduce it as an amendment in the other House. It may then come back up to us. I am certainly very happy to support Senator Mullen in his intention.