As I pointed out earlier, there are no suggested amendments to sections 9 to 12, inclusive. This section relates to dual membership of the Oireachtas and the board.
SECTION 9.
Question proposed: " That section 9 stand part of the Bill."
This has become the custom, and I cannot see why it is being continued.
I agree with Deputy Wilson: it has become common practice in legislation.
We are adopting the committee system more and more and with 144 Dáil Members it is becoming extremely hard to get things done without spreading ourselves still further. Membership of this board would take up a good deal of a Deputy's mind and effort and if he is not prepared to devote that to the board he should not be a member, Even with a Dáil membership of 600 there would be difficulties.
A board such as this would be much better without a Member of the Oireachtas. For instance, if he were a member of a Government party, it could be suggested he was exercising influence on their behalf, and if he were a member of the Opposition——
I am simply saying that a Deputy's area of speciality in the House could coincide with his ability to serve on the board—the value of that service.
Question put and agreed to.