I move amendment No. 23: In page 7, to delete lines 22 to 32.

I move amendment No. 25: In page 7, line 23, to delete “, in so far as is practicable,”.

I move amendment No. 28: In page 7, between lines 32 and 33, to insert the following: “(b) by the insertion of the following subsection after subsection (1)— “(1A) The Minister shall ensure that at least one ordinary member appointed under this section is a person who, in the opinion of the Minister, has satisfactory experience, competence or qualifications as respects issues relating to the environment and sustainability.”.”.

I support amendment No. 29. I too have several amendments in this grouping. I do want to be pointlessly combative and insist on corrections of the record but we need to stop saying things that are not in the Bill. For example, the Minister just said it is going to be an open application process where everyone can apply. That is not in the legislation. Let us not call it an open system to which everybody can apply if it is not stated in the Bill. We have no idea what the system is going to be, frankly. We do not kno…

On a point of order, the phrase "open, competitive process by which any member of the public can apply" is not in the legislation. I was very clear. I did not challenge the Minister of State on this earlier but-----

I must ask that the record be corrected----

Inaccuracies are being stated repeatedly.

This is a correction of the record.

I put it very politely previously. It is not accurate.

It needs to stop being said and being put on the record because it does not stand up to scrutiny.

Again, I object.

I must rise again and be really clear on these amendments. The Minister of State did not really address my concerns or my direct questions regarding who will be performing the various functions that are listed. Who will perform the functions? Who will invite the applications? Who will put the short list in place? Who will inform the Minister? Who will make recommendations to the Minister? Is there is a clear answer on that? All the information we have is that it may be in the form of a committee. We have no idea wh…

-----it is not in the text of the Bill that is before us?

I thank the Cathaoirleach for that. I will also note that it would be appropriate if the Minister of State would be clear in terms of his language because although that it is not currently in the Bill, we have heard it said on the record five times today. In fact, I did not raise the issue on the first few occasions. However, now, having raised it, I do not believe that it should be allowed to continue unchecked. I will note that have tabled amendment No. 34, which specifies an open, competitive process to which an…

I move amendment No. 31: "In page 7, lines 35 and 36, to delete “(which may include the establishment of a committee)” and substitute “(which shall include the establishment of an independent committee to oversee such procedure)”."

I move amendment No. 32: "In page 8, between lines 3 and 4, to insert the following: “(d) by the insertion of the following subsection after subsection (3): “(3A) Regulations made under subsection (3) shall require the approval by motion of both Houses of the Oireachtas.”."

I move amendment No. 34: "In page 8, to delete lines 6 and 7 and substitute the following: “(a) applications be sought, through open public invitation, for appointment as an ordinary member of the Board,”."

I move amendment No. 35: In page 8, to delete line 24

I move amendment No. 36: In page 8, line 24, to delete “subsections (6) to (8)” and substitute “subsection (6)”.

I move amendment No. 38: In page 8, to delete lines 25 to 27.