We have amendment No. 109a in the name of Deputy Gilmore. Amendments Nos. 109b and 111 are alternatives. It is suggested that amendments Nos. 109a, 109b and 111 be discussed together, by agreement. Agreed.
SECTION 28.
I move amendment No. 109a:
In page 25, subsection (1) (a), lines 34 and 35, to delete "and shall appoint one of the members to be Chairman of the Authority." and substitute the following:
"and shall include in his appointments—
(i) one representative of the professional and technical staff of roads authorities, elected in an election to be conducted by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions;
(ii) one representative of the road workers of roads authorities, elected in an election to be conducted by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions;
(iii) a representative of road safety offices to be elected by the Roads Safety Association;
(iv) two representatives of the General Council of County Councils;
(v) two representatives of the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland;
(vi) two representatives of the National Road Users Association;
(vii) a representative of CIE; and
(viii) a representative of an Taisce.".
All these amendments have been tabled to the same effect, which is to provide for a roads authority representative of various interests. There is a fair degree of similarity between my amendment and that of Deputy Yates, with some differences of emphasis, perhaps, in the bodies to be represented and the extent to which they are to be represented. The principle we are trying to establish here is that the National Roads Authority will be comprised of representatives of various interests rather than be appointed solely at the Minister's discretion.
I have tabled two amendments here giving the Minister different options. Amendment No. 111 sets out a series of bodies I contend should be represented—ranging from the Confederation of Irish Industry and ICTU to municipal authorities — my amendment No. 109b allows another choice.
I do not consider it appropriate that this national body — the National Roads Authority — should be comprised of political hacks. I contend they should have a sense of direction. I will go further and say that some of the recent appointments to a number of bodies and boards suggest that there is an exceptional need for this amendment. One's affiliation to a political party is not the proper criterion for appointment to important national authorities. I have no qualms, hesitations or reservations in being quite firm about this in so far as it will take from the credibility of the National Roads Authority if people of the highest ability are not appointed thereto. That is not to say that the Minister should not have some nominees so that he may know what is happening, but they should be people who have something to bring to the National Roads Authority in terms of their experience, abilities and aptitudes.
I am prepared to consider a Report Stage amendment which would provide that members of the National Roads Authority should be persons who, in the opinion of the Minister, have wide experience in areas relevant to the functions of the authority. This could include such matters as roads transport, industrial, commercial or financial matters, local government administration and the organisation of workers. I want to make it clear that I will listen very carefully to any suggestions made vis-�-vissuitable persons for appointment to the National Roads Authority. What we want here is the right mix. I do not think it is necessary that we should select just on a representative basis, people whose primary concern will be the organisation that they represent rather than the cohesive road authority we want to develop. I have only had a few brief experiences in terms of having the opportunity to nominate or select people for State boards or semi-State organisations, and I have had only one consideration and that is the ability of that person to perform the task. Political or other interests will not be considerations.
What are Deputy Gilmore's intentions with regard to amendment No. 109a?
I will withdraw it pending the Minister's formula on Report Stage.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Amendment No. 109b not moved.
Amendments Nos. 110 and 111 not moved.
I move amendment No. 111a:
In page 25, subsection (2), line 45, after "office" to insert "for a period of three years".
I feel that three years is a reasonable period. What does the Bill currently specify?
It is open ended.
I do not think we should have people in perpetuity on this Authority because if there is a change of Minister we might like to look at some of these nominees again.
I will consider on Report Stage the question of an amendment specifying a maximum five year period. Up to now I have always sought to have three terms if I could in order to make sure that if one were having a five year specified time there would be continuity and experience on a board. That should meet most of what Deputy Yates has in mind.
I think five years is appropriate as the road programme is for five years.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Section 28 agreed to.