Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. We have had a comprehensive debate on the Bill and there has been a general welcome for its provisions, which have been amended and improved in the Dáil. Some of those amendments reflect comments made in this House.

For the first time an Oireachtas joint committee is invited to have an input into the composition of such statutory boards. This is to be welcomed. It is important we do not find ourselves at cross-purposes with the Minister and the Department with regard to nominees. That is the essential issue.