Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I cannot accept amendment No. 1 as provision for virtual or blended meetings of the board is an efficiency measure to facilitate the board in processing its caseload. It is consistent with other recent statutory initiatives, such as the holding of annual general meetings virtually, through the Companies Act 2014. It is not intended to create a distinction between an in-person, virtual or blended board meeting by having different meeting arrangements for such meetings.

I will not be accepting amendment No. 2 either as there is no basis for having a different meeting quorum for in-person, virtual or blended board meetings. A board meeting will be a board meeting whether it is held in-person, electronically or by a combination of both, provided the minimum statutory quorum and any other statutory requirements for the meeting are complied with.