Seán Kyne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Mr. Watt and Dr. Holohan. Mr. Watt is becoming somewhat of a celebrity, whether by intent or not. I am not sure if he would consider a position on "Dancing with the Stars" next January. I think he is the best known public servant at this stage, and not always for the right reasons, unfortunately.

I agree with Mr. Watt's comment, "I felt it was equally important that Dr. Holohan's expertise be retained and utilised in the public sector.". That, I think, would be supported by the majority of people in the country, and it is regrettable the way things have developed in that regard.

Considering that this process started last August, and considering the furore at the time over the Katherine Zappone appointment, did it not register with Mr. Watt that it would be prudent to ensure that the Minister, the Cabinet or the senior individuals in Cabinet, certainly the three party leaders, signed off on this, with all the details laid out, including the funding, the salary and the plans for a research fund?

Would that have been the prudent and wise thing to do, considering the timing of the Katherine Zappone issue?