Liam Twomey (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 7:

In page 39, subsection (1), lines 3 and 4, to delete paragraph (a).

Section 40 states, inter alia, that where a member of the IFI, a member of a committee of the IFI or the chief executive is nominated as a candidate for election to either House of the Oireachtas or the European Parliament, thereon he or she should cease to hold office. That is unusual because it relates to someone who is not a Member of either House or the European Parliament but who is seeking a nomination to become a Member and who must then resign his or her position, regardless of the outcome of the election. That is a little harsh for a member of the board. It might be acceptable where he or she managed to be elected, as he or she would have other extensive duties to perform.

The section also states the person concerned must resign if he or she becomes a member of a local authority. What is wrong with county councillors that they are considered to pose such a threat to the IFI? I would like to hear the Minister of State's explanation as to why such an individual would pose such a danger to the integrity and the corporate governance of the IFI that he or she could no longer hold office.