Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. O'Connor. He is obviously a career civil servant with vast experience in many areas. With the greatest respect and without being ageist, he is coming to the twilight of his career now. Does he think it is appropriate that somebody who has received a golden handshake of €346,617 and a gold-plated pension of €121,539 should consider themselves up to the job at this stage? Is it appropriate that he take up this job, considering that he has no experience in this area and he was asked to do the job? Does he think he should have thought more about it before this matter arose? There was always going to be potential for a perceived conflict of interest in the matter. In view of the 11 years he served with An Bord Pleanála, there was going to be a perceived conflict of interest because this issue was bound to go to An Bord Pleanála for planning permission. Mr. O'Connor said that the Minister asked him to come on board as chairman because of his experience in planning. I am almost certain those are the words he used. Mr. O'Connor can correct me if I am wrong.