Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State is absolutely correct in saying that the Indecon report, at section 3, dealt with the composition of the board and made recommendations. It even expanded on the Australian review which considered board composition. The recommendation of the Indecon report was that a board comprised of between six and nine members was optimal for effectiveness and efficiency. He is correct that the skills gap was identified, and I am glad it will be addressed. I agree fully with the Minister of State about the absolute lack of financial oversight and skills on the board. There were serious shortcomings in Bord na gCon in terms of internal financial reviews. In fact, no internal financial reviews or audits were carried out. There was no internal audit committee. These are very serious issues, particularly given that this board was receiving almost €310,000 per week from the State. This is an opportune time to deal with this issue, and I welcome the Minister of State's intervention.On the particular amendments, I fully understand Senator Paul Daly's concern that amendment No. 3 will remove his previously accepted amendment. On amendment No. 3, I agree that there should be veterinary expertise on the board. I am not sure if that is provided for in the composition of the board.