Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State and colleagues for giving such close attention to these proposals. It has been a very interesting debate. Sometimes, in bringing forward legislation, one's real aim is to encourage and facilitate changes in the law. The Bill itself might not be accepted by Government, but something broadly similar, one hopes, might become law in due course. In that regard, I welcome the Minister of State's assurance that while the Government will not proceed with this Bill, its proposals will be fully taken into account in the context of the development of pending legislation to put in place a revised ethics in public office framework.

He said in conclusion, "While the Government will not be proceeding with this Bill due to the fact that its own Ethics in Public Office Act reform legislation is pending, it is nevertheless the position that certain of the proposals in the Bill will be closely considered in the context of drawing up a revised legislative framework in this regard." I think that that will bring some satisfaction to all of us who have been involved in the discussion today.

We have had much input into the debate. Senator Barrett referred to people who serve on various boards, whether they are in hospitals, schools or elsewhere. They do that without pay; they do not do it for the purpose of pay. Senator Byrne talked about the need for change, particularly in how we approach appointments. He brought up the question of worker directors. Clearly, that has to be considered seriously.

I thank Senator Sheahan for explaining his concerns. I am not sure that I quite accept his concern that only wealthy Dublin retired people would attend. If expenses are being paid, it does not matter where one lives. However, I understand his concern. That concern was expressed also by Senator Hayden, who talked about the need to encourage participation. Senator Mary Ann O'Brien placed great emphasis on transparency, particularly in appointments to State boards. We have to do something about that. I know that efforts have been made in that area.

Senator Mooney talked about what was morally right and logical. He has had the experience of being a chairman on a State board. Senator Cullinane talked about the lack of standards in appointments to State boards, which has come up in our discussion of the Bill today. Senator Noone spoke about finding a way of achieving a wider range of candidates and expressed concern that that might not happen if there was no salary for board members.

This has been a useful discussion. I was helped a great deal in putting the Bill together by somebody who has helped me in the past, Brian Hunt. I think that the Bill will give rise to discussion. On a number of occasions in the past, I have introduced Bills that became law. I have also introduced Bills which did not become law but which became law in a different manner shortly afterwards. I thank everybody who has been involved in the discussion, in particular the Minister, and suggest that we adjourn the debate at this stage in the hope that it will encourage the Government to grab hold of these matters, particularly on the basis that the Minister has said that certain of the proposals in the Bill will be closely considered in the context of drawing up a revised Bill.