Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Mr. Moran is not responsible for policy but there is no doubt that if one examines the Dáil debates from the time of the establishment of the public interest directors through legislation, one will note that the context was such that there was to be somebody on the boards representing the public interest, the taxpayer. I understand that when one joins the board, one becomes part of the board. It is very difficult, however, to find a tangible example of how public interest directors are making a difference and acting in the public interest in a way that any other director is not. It was suggested that public interest directors should be acting differently or keeping an extra eye out for the public. I remain to be convinced that this is happening. In saying this, I mean no disrespect to the individuals concerned because I am not sure the structures allow for what I am suggesting. As Secretary General of the Department of Finance, what does Mr. Moran believe the role of the public interest directors to be?