Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. The list of bodies, which everybody in the House agrees is distinguished and have played a major role, has another characteristic in common in that they were not included in the advisory council. Somebody has already decided that they are second class citizens.The people who make up these bodies and others in the scientific and environmental science communities were left out of the loop the last time. They have expressed the view to me that there are too many economists included and they are disappointed there is no representation for environmentalists among the four ex officiomembers. I must disclaim responsibility by pointing out that I did not nominate any of those economists. The people about whom I am talking are the ones who made most of the running on these matters and they have already been bypassed on one occasion. I would have preferred to see them being represented on the main body, but, in the absence of such appointments, they should at least be consulted. An error was made in not making provision for their participation and it should be acknowledged. We all should be man or woman enough to say it was a mistake and that the people who did most of the running should be involved.

Having said that, I do not propose to press the amendment because there seems to be a good measure of agreement from the Minister of State with our intent. He would not run a Department without having all of these very fine people in his confidence, no more than I would. The balance was wrong from day one and the amendment seeks to rectify this. I welcome the Minister of State's response.