David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I second the amendment. I will be uncharacteristically brief, particularly given the fact that I can only speak once.

It is fair enough to delete the reference to "8 ordinary members" and substitute it with "6 ordinary members". I support that proposal, although I am not passionate about it.The amendment which is of critical importance is the one the Government has accepted, amendment No. 3. It deals with something for which we argued very strongly on a previous occasion. It proposes:

To delete lines 26 to 34 and substitute the following:“(2) Of the ordinary members of the Board—

(a) one or more than one shall be a veterinary practitioner of at least 5 years standing, and

(b) one or more than one shall be a person with a detailed knowledge of the greyhound industry."

The Minister of State has done well. This is a very important amendment because it brings detailed professional knowledge right into the centre of the forum, where it is required. It is a very good deal. Most of the Government amendments are technical amendments which tinker around with words and phrases and so on. Therefore, I do not intend to speak to them.

Again, amendment No. 14 seems logical, although I do not know whether it is necessary. I wonder if the Acting Chairman could tell me what other amendments are included in this grouping. I only heard the reference to amendments Nos. 1 to 15, inclusive. There were other scattered ones and I would like to see if there is any important one.