Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I concur with some of Senator Twomey's comments. This House has often debated the issue of the automatic exclusion of people involved in local government. Councillors represent a wide spectrum of society and have diverse expertise. Some of them have served with great distinction in the fisheries sector and many other bodies. This automatic, blanket exclusion of councillors from participation at board level is highly discriminatory. I can understand why Members of the Oireachtas are excluded because they are involved in policy-making; therefore, there is a clear distinction, but that does not apply to councillors. That is not to say, however, that I wish to interfere in any way with the principle of ministerial discretion in the appointment of board members. The Minister will continue to retain discretion. It is open, therefore, to the Minister to decide whether somebody is suitable and who the best people are to serve on these boards. That would not be in any way affected by the removal of paragraph (e) which relates to local authority members. I strongly urge the Minister to take this on board. If he could do so, the House would be grateful. Some Ministers have acceded to this reasonable argument which has been made here. It is generally the unanimous position of the House. Other Ministers have not been so amenable. It would be a pity if this provision was allowed to remain in the Bill simply because somebody thinks it is generally a good idea. I, therefore, ask the Minister of State to consider the amendment favourably, particularly as it applies to the membership of local authorities.