Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)

The argument highlighted by Senator Mooney is not really relevant to amendment No. 5. Some of the amendments that have been tabled relate specifically to the borders of Gaeltacht areas. Perhaps we should concentrate on the amendment at hand at this stage and wait until we get to those amendments before we discuss the issue of democracy or lack of democracy within the proposed board. Ba mhaith liom a rá gurb é sin an fáth go bhfuilimid ag tabhairt deis do na comhairlí contae to nominate five of the 12 members of the board. I have every confidence that the members of the local authorities will be very responsible and practical when they are choosing their representatives on these boards. Some specifications are laid down in that regard. We will probably get to them when we consider other amendments. The board will consist of five members nominated by local authorities and seven appointed by the Minister.

Things have changed. The economic situation has changed. Others have changed. We know there are difficulties in the Gaeltacht. I want the board to be well balanced, to have a democratic input and to have certain expertise. The new údarás will not focus on industrial development alone. It will also focus on availing of the last chance we have to save the language itself in Gaeltacht areas. That is why I want to have a well-balanced board that includes specialists, experts and linguists and has a democratic input, rather than an ordinary board with some expertise. That is the balance I am seeking. I am simply trying to save the Gaeltacht. Maidir leis an rud a dúirt an Seanadóir Barrett, all I can say is that we have received the advice of the Attorney General that what we are doing is covered by the Údarás na Gaeltachta Act 1979. I understand it will be covered until 30 September next. Níl sé i gceist agam glacadh leis an leasú seo.