Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

The paragraph under discussion obliges the Minister to provide to the joint Oireachtas committee a statement indicating the relevant experience and expertise of persons appointed to the board of Inland Fisheries Ireland on the nomination of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs and on the Minister's own nomination. The purpose of this provision is to ensure the committee is fully informed as to the qualifications and experience of the persons appointed to the board so it can ensure in making its nominations that there is an appropriate balance of skill sets on the board.

It would appear the amendment proposed by the Senator would only serve to delay these appointments to the board. On Committee Stage in the other House, I advised of my intention to announce details of my appointees who will form the basis of an interim board pending establishment of IFI. Following consultation with the committee, I will provide the statement as set out in this section so that it will be fully informed in making its nominations.

I advise the House that this provision was amended during the Bill's passage through the other House to ensure the joint Oireachtas committee can input into the statement to be provided by the Minister on his or her appointees. Accordingly, for the reasons outlined, I cannot accept the amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Question proposed: "That section 12 stand part of the Bill."