Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is a standing position for Members of the Oireachtas and the European Parliament since members of State boards have a fiduciary function and duty to the boards and there is always a risk of a conflict of interest, as opposed to the time involved or duties of somebody who is a legislator and policy maker. That is the rationale. If it was to be changed, it would be the subject of a wider debate. Voting moneys to State boards by elected Members would seem to be inappropriate and a conflict of interest.

I do not really wish to comment at this stage on some of the other observations or contributions made. There is a technical issue with section 8(10) in being members of the board. We can seek clarification for the Senator, if he so wishes.