I just want to come in on this. I welcome the Minister of State, by the way. I thank him for his work. I must say he is a very accessible Minister of State and available to everyone on all sides. In fairness, anyone would say that about his work as Minister of State. I just want to make the point that when somebody is adjudged to be bankrupt, it is basically a conviction for life. The Minister of State will accept that. Decent people who were bankrupt have been cleared. Now we are reducing the relevant number of years to three and possibly to one. The relevant number of years in Britain is one. It is a conviction for life. Honourable people can be bankrupt. Walt Disney was bankrupt twice or three times. I mean there is nothing dishonourable about it. These things happen in life and in business. Why should a person be deprived of this right for all time? I do not think it is acceptable to tell someone they can never again serve on this board. I support my colleagues, Senators Craughwell and Darragh O'Brien, on this point. I think the Minister of State will look at this in a humane way. I am sure he will not be found wanting.
Sport Ireland Bill 2014: Committee Stage (Resumed)
I have been placed in a very difficult position. We are in different times in a different country. As Senators are aware, every Bill is proofread. This Bill was drafted by draftsmen in the Chief State Solicitor's office. Naturally enough, I have to take their legal advice on the issue that has been raised here today. Many people, particularly in the climate of this country over recent years, have found themselves in very serious situations. Some of it has not been of their own doing. I certainly would not like to see anybody being debarred from any State board. When I was bringing this legislation through, I was even unhappy about making a distinction by putting an accountant and a legal adviser on the board. I decided to do that because I believe somebody on a board should have some kind of qualifications in legalities. This is necessary to stop the Irish Sports Council and other bodies from finding themselves in court every single day in relation to the way their organisations are being run. That is why I want an accountant to be one of the people on the board. I am doing that to make sure there are people on the board who can deal with delicate financial situations that may develop. I have to accept what our people say. At the same time, something has been raised here today and I need to look at it. I am prepared to look at it.
When is it proposed to take Report Stage?
Next Tuesday.