Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

Given what has happened with the Broadcasting Bill, with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Eamon Ryan, and the FÁS debacle, would it not be wise that we take away the power from the Minister to appoint members to the charity appeals tribunal and establish a new body to appoint them? I fully support the need to have on the tribunal those from a legal background and with experience in areas of expertise relating to charities. I do not mean to be disrespectful but we do not have career civil servants who have worked in charitable organisations and it is important we bring in people with this experience. It is important we recognise their work and use their years of experience. Will the Minister re-examine how members of the tribunal are appointed?