Dan Boyle (Green Party)

That is the question which has been raised. One consideration that needs to be borne in mind is that, while involving people in State bodies and public agencies, we try to make the process as diverse as possible. This is one of the reasons there is, unfortunately, specification regarding local authority members. Just as there was an ongoing debate concerning dual membership of the Houses of the Oireachtas and local authorities, there is a degree of cross-over with public bodies that are regionally and locally based that should not be interfered with. The maximum involvement of individual citizens would help that process. At the same time, if there are people of ability and experience who are members of a local authority, that should not necessarily be a disqualifying factor.

The other issues concern more current events and the ongoing nature of particular agencies. There will be another debate in this House and the other House when recommendations are made by an bord snip nua regarding rationalisation and the existence of particular boards. The Minister of State has indicated how this is progressing. Such comments and recommendations should await that further debate.

Taking into account the order today, I will bring the debate to a conclusion. I ask that, having had the opportunity for this debate, the House would return to it at another time and support the motion as presented.