Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Amendment No. 68 increases the maximum consecutive term for the chair from three years to four years. The term of office of the chair is for a period of one year. Currently, a chair is not permitted to serve more than three consecutive terms in the position. The Minister, Deputy Noonan, agreed on Committee Stage in the Dáil to increase the maximum consecutive term for the chair from three years to four. This will ensure continuity on the board. However, it will also be one of the responsibilities of the nomination committee to ensure board continuity. That was also an issue that arose in the Select Committee in the other House and from some of the contributions made in the Seanad on Second Stage. I am notching up the number of amendments accepted. It is currently six. This is one of the sensible proposals from the Opposition.