Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

Subsection (3) states the Minister shall have regard to the desirability of their having knowledge or experience of consumer affairs, business, finance, management or administration or any other subject which would be of assistance. It is accepted that we will include people in the board who represent consumer interests, have financial expertise and so forth. The reason we propose three members to represent the property services industry is because this issue was raised. The original section was relatively silent as to the type of qualifications required. It was regarded as important in view of the fact that a number of the bodies representing service providers would have in-depth knowledge. I am conscious of the need to ensure those people on the authority representing persons providing property services are not solely representing the interests of such persons or organisations. In my view the amendment will take care of the concerns expressed by Senator Donohoe that the authority should include people representing consumer interests.