asked the Minister for the Environment if he will consider the claim by the Association of Health Boards in Ireland for the right to nominate a candidate for Seanad elections; and if he will agree to introduce amending legislation to have the association recognised as a nominating body with status similar to that of the General Council of County Councils and the Association of Municipal Authorities.

It is not clear whether the Association of Health Boards in Ireland is eligible for registration as a nominating body under existing legislation. This question could be determined by means of an application by the association to the Seanad Returning Officer.