Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Having listened to Senator Ó Clochartaigh's contribution, I am concerned by the structure he proposes for nominees, under which ten of the 13 members of the board would be from the legal profession. We have been trying to move away from this concept to ensure laypersons have greater influence. Under the proposal in the Bill, laypersons would make up the majority of board members of the new authority. If Senator Ó Clochartaigh's proposal were implemented, a substantial majority of board members would be members of the legal profession. I agree with the Senator's analysis on the Irish language and cognisance should be taken of his argument in this regard. However, I urge him to reflect on the structure he has proposed because it runs counter to the ethos of what we are trying to achieve in the legislation.