John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)

I must inform Senator Buttimer that what other Ministers do in respect of legislation relating to this matter in the future will be their responsibility. I dealt with the matter before us because it was raised by him and Senator Leyden. When I considered the position, I could find no good reason as to why public representatives should be excluded.

It was suggested that there should be an automatic inclusion. However, I felt that this would be inappropriate because we had already set down the criteria — such as legal background, charitable experience, etc. — people serving on the board would be obliged to meet. Rather than councillors being automatically appointed to the board, I am of the view that it should be councillors with a range of experience who should be considered for membership.

The provision relating to the appointment of 20 members to the board is enabling in nature. There is no specific intention to have a board comprised of 20 members. A minimum of nine members will be appointed, but we will have scope to appoint up to 20 members. Senator Buttimer is correct that, like the Commissioners of Charitable Donations and Bequests for Ireland, the authority will be extremely supportive in performing it duties and will not be just a regulatory body. The number of members appointed will depend on the level of expertise that will be required in order to allow the board to work effectively and efficiently. However, it is not the intention to establish a board with 20 members from the outset. It is merely an enabling provision.