John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

I gave an indication at the outset of the debate of some of the amendments I intend to bring forward on Report Stage. I did so to be helpful and to prevent delays to the proceedings, which proved to be quite protracted in any event. Members expressed concerns about the provision whereby councillors would automatically be precluded from membership of the authority. In this regard, I was asked for the precise number of members of the authority. That has not been finalised but, as I indicated today, the number will be no less than nine and no more than 15.

I pointed out that I envisage the authority will have a supportive as well as a regulatory role. In that regard, I envisage that there will be several sub-committees. It is in this context that I am looking at the total make-up of the authority. Apart from the regulatory function, I want it to play an active supportive role. That is something we are currently examining.

I apologise for upsetting Senator Buttimer.