Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Will the Minister elaborate in respect of the numbers he intends to provide for in the amendment on Report Stage? We had heretofore understood the number would be seven, but clearly the Minister will extend that. Has the Minister made a decision on what number he intends to propose?

It is welcome that the Minister is willing to look at others within the HSE rather than only current holders of national director roles but the Minister goes on to state in amendment No. 7 that if such a person ceases to be employed by the executive then he will also cease to be an appointed director. The Minister is holding absolutely rigidly to the situation that members of the board, the directorate, will be employees of the HSE. The Minister has widened the scope of possible appointees from the national director role to any other level - this is clear from what he has put forward - but I believe he should take the further step. I do not believe we should be harnessing it in respect of current employees of the HSE. The expertise is what we require. We need the best person and he or she maybe outside the HSE loop at this point and the Minister should be willing to consider that.

My concerns are principally in the mental health area but it is equally applicable to any and all of the positions. It cannot be beyond the Minister's gift to accept that it should be an open application. Clearly, people within the HSE would have a distinct advantage because of their knowledge, experience and direct involvement within the service, but we could be surprised by the capacity and abilities of those who might express an interest coming from outside the HSE. I do not believe we should close the door on that experience and interest. I believe it is all to the good and that it should be an open opportunity. That is my position and I appeal to the Minister to reconsider.