Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I second the amendment. To follow on from what Senator Reilly said, perhaps the Minister of State could clarify that the Bill precludes someone who previously worked in a credit union from serving in another one. Today, I received a specific example of that. One of the directors of a credit union who was unemployed managed to secure a position with another credit union. He had been a credit union director for a number of years. The effect of not allowing the amendment to section 15(10)(a) would prevent him from continuing as a director of the credit union unless he leaves his employment. Had he secured employment outside of a credit union he would not be prevented from continuing as a director of the credit union. The board in that instance believes that as the person has not changed, why should his employment prevent him from continuing as a director or working in another credit union. The board also believes that the director, who has been a volunteer and a voluntary director with the credit union for a number of years, is being unfairly treated by the introduction of this restriction and by not passing the amendment tabled by Senator Reilly. The board further believes that the current conflict of interest rules and the proposed fitness and probity rules should cater for any conflict of interests that could occur in this area.

I wish to point out that in the recent past, that is, in the few weeks since this proposal has been mooted and announced, a number of airlines, including United Airlines, Aer Lingus and others, have announced flights into Shannon, which I consider to be highly positive. This had no impact on Knock. I want this to continue and believe this measure will help it to do so. Ultimately, the Government wishes to create an international aviation services sector in Shannon that can generate new non-passenger revenue streams. This is what will ensure that the airport can work.