Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 39:

In page 38, to delete line 22.

I know we could joust on this for the evening but we will not do that. When this Bill was first published I contacted all the local authority representatives, sent them a copy of the Bill and asked for their comments. The feedback, particularly from those in coastal areas, was that local authority members wanted to be allowed to serve on the harbour boards for one term and that no local authority representative could serve for more than one term. I believe the Minister is on top of his brief when he says that he has consulted more councillors than I have. I will withdraw these amendments at this stage and bring them back on Report Stage, and in the intervening period I will go back to those councillors. I will be able to give a more robust argument and the Minister might consider it then. I will not delay the Minister any further and I thank him for his time and his patience.