Sean Barrett (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I accept totally what the Minister said. I have seen that process in operation and we know that some of the candidates who have emerged have been very impressive. Perhaps the Howlin method might be considered for Report Stage, if that is possible. I endorse fully the sentiments the Minister has expressed. It is most encouraging to see the variety of backgrounds of candidates who have come forward.

Amendment No. 25 is a small provision. The requirement is that the local authority chief executive shall have regard to Government or nationally-agreed guidelines which, for the time being, are extant, or to Government policy concerning appointments to State boards. We have had the requirement to "have regard to" in other legislation. For example, I had regard to the fact that I was in a 30 km/h zone and just happened to be doing 50 km/h. A requirement to comply is much stronger and would strengthen the Minister's hand. We can all say we had regard to something and then go off and do something else. It is in the spirt of the Howlin amendment the Minister described that a requirement to comply with the procedures laid down by that Minister should be provided for. Those procedures have been impressive in the way that we have seen them executed. Is "comply" better for the Minister than "have regard to"?