Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The effect of Senator David Norris’s stance would be to delete the section in its entirety, although this is a standard provision used in many pieces of legislation. It is considered that being a Member of Dáil Éireann or Seanad Éireann and a member of a board of a State authority could give rise to potential conflicts of interest, for example, when it comes to funding and policy. It would be prudent and advisable, therefore, to retain the section. For example, someone could find himself or herself voting on the budget which would include the budget for the National Concert Hall. That in itself would be a direct conflict of interest. It is important that at national level politicians not be conflicted by serving at other levels of government or on State boards. I do not see any demand from the public to change this.

I wish to clarify the reference to “nominated as a member of Seanad Éireann”. What is meant is that one must be a Member of the Seanad, not nominated to be elected as a Member. One must be successful in being elected to Seanad Éireann before the measure will apply. I do not accept the proposal to delete the section.