John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I hope the Leas-Chathaoirleach will guide me in respect of the matters under discussion. I wish to make a number of points in respect of these amendments, which relate to the advisory council and the board. My colleague, Senator Donohoe, who tabled a number of amendments on Committee and Report Stages in respect of the membership of the advisory council and the board, is not available. One of the Senator's concerns is that representatives of consumers — in this case, commuters — would be included on the advisory council. I did not detect from the Minister's comments whether Senator Donohoe's concerns have been taken on board. Will the Minister clarify the position in that regard?

Another issue raised in this and the Lower House was the vetting of board members by the Joint Committee on Transport. I do not believe the Minister referred to that matter either when commenting on the amendments.

I understand that on Report Stage in the Dáil, some 72 amendments were not reached as a result of the imposition of a guillotine. I am sure some of those amendments are contained in the group with which we are dealing. Perhaps the Minister might explain what is covered and indicate whether this group deals with the matters to which I refer.