Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support the comments of Senators Malcolm Byrne and Ward. As was said, we have a vast amount of experience within our local authorities. However, the legislation states that the person will cease to become a member if they are elected. They have the experience to be appointed a member of the commission, which is what we are looking for. If they are elected to public office, and, as was said, we are struggling to get people to put themselves forward for public life at that level, they would have to give up that job, despite the fact they have the experience to hold that position. It is wrong.