Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I very much recognise the spirit of these amendments relating to the robustness and transparency of the appointment process. I take Senator Cummins's point about the accountability of the Minister. He is correct that it is about trying to ensure there is predictability in timelines and that we deal with backlogs. Decision-making certainly must be robust but there also must be a process within the system that gives certainty for communities.

I cannot accept amendment No. 5. It is appropriate that the overall number of ordinary board members may be increased by order to ensure full functioning of the board and allow it to process its significant workload efficiently, which includes new marine functions, as stated, under the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021.

Amendments Nos. 6 and 7 are not being accepted as a ministerial order will be made in the normal manner and a requirement for a resolution of both Houses to approve a draft order is not necessary.

I do not accept amendment No. 12. It is not deemed necessary to retain the requirement that the number of ordinary members appointed on a temporary basis shall not exceed one third of the total number of ordinary members at any one time. Temporary members are appointed for a term of no longer than 12 months.

Amendment No. 13 is not being accepted as the relevant provision provides for the urgent appointment of temporary board members where required due to the caseload of the board. The proposed amendment does not comprehend the urgency of such temporary appointments. It is wholly appropriate that temporary appointees to such sensitive public service positions will already have been recruited to the public service through previous competitions and been assessed as suitable appointees.