Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Not for the first time, I find myself in almost total agreement with Senator David Norris. It seems ridiculous that if a Member of this or the Lower House is qualified to sit on the board, that he or she is prevented from doing so. The one stipulation I would make is that Members of the Oireachtas who are board members should not receive expenses because they are paid as Members of this or the Lower House. However, I compliment the Minister on not excluding members of local authorities from board membership. That was the practice in all legislation brought before this House for many years. I note that bankrupts are not exempt either, as is the case in some legislation brought before this House such as that relating to the Irish Sports Council.