(1) For the purposes of this Part, there is established a Redundancy Panel.

(2) The Redundancy Panel consists of the following members:

(a) a Chairman appointed, in writing, by the Minister;

(b) a member appointed, in writing, by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions;

(c) a member appointed, in writing, by the Irish Business and Employers Confederation.

(3) Each member of the Redundancy Panel shall have a deputy appointed, in writing, by the person by which that member was appointed, who shall act as a member of the panel on any occasion when that member is unable to attend a meeting of the panel, and, in subsections (4) to (9), a reference to a member includes a reference to a deputy of a member.

(4) Subject to subsections (5) to (10), a member -

(a) holds office for such period, not exceeding 3 years, as is specified in the relevant instrument of appointment, and

(b) is eligible for re-appointment.

(5) A member may resign by letter addressed to the relevant appointing authority, and the resignation shall take effect on the date of receipt of the letter.

(6) A member shall, unless he or she sooner dies, resigns or otherwise ceases to be a member, hold office until the expiration of his or her term of office.