Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. O’Connor and thank him for his presentation. There is little doubt that he is a highly qualified professional. He has a considerable track record in public service. As he worked in the planning division of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, he was an obvious choice to be appointed to the independent role in An Bord Pleanála. I am not so sure, however, how he makes the jump from An Bord Pleanála to EirGrid, particularly at a time when EirGrid is involved under the strategic infrastructure legislation in its interaction with An Bord Pleanála.

Mr. O’Connor said that the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government approached him in respect of appointment to the pyrite board. How was he approached for this appointment?