David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 16:

In page 18, between lines 22 and 23, to insert the following:"(5) The Board shall always include three individuals with experience or knowledge of the legal environment as it pertains to children and families; the disciplines of child protection, psychology, family support and therapeutic services.".

Section 19 deals with composition and membership of the board of the agency, which will comprise a chairperson, deputy chairperson and seven ordinary members, each appointed by the Minister. Section 19(2) reads that the Minister will appoint persons who have experience of and expertise in matters connected to the functions of the agency or matters connected to organisational governance, management or public administration. The Bill does not specify the type of experience or expertise referred to in section 19(2). Sinn Féin believes the inclusion of specified professional backgrounds would be beneficial to guard against inappropriate appointments. In saying this, I am not suggesting that is what the Minister will do. That said, I am sure she is conscious that political appointments to boards has been an issue in the past.

The inclusion of specified experience in the areas set out in the amendment would provide the board with a valuable understanding of how its services are delivered and how professionals interact with each other. For example, section 98(3) of the Adoption Act 2010 specifies the inclusion on the board of the Adoption Authority of Ireland of a social worker with experience in adoption practice and a barrister or solicitor with experience in child welfare, child protection, or both. It is acknowledged that if the categories set out in the Bill are too specific this could lead to difficulties in filling board posts. The logic of this amendment is to broaden the knowledge and expertise that members of the board should have. It makes sense that membership of the board would comprise not only people with legal expertise but also people who have expertise in the areas of child protection, psychology, family supports and therapeutic services.