John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Fianna Fail)

All appointments to State boards I make are based on the experience, knowledge and expertise of the individual being appointed. In this instance that knowledge, experience and expertise is acknowledged by people across the spectrum. The person brings that experience, knowledge and expertise to the board. I would not make an appointment if I felt he were in any way restricted from serving on the board. I was advised he was not so restricted. At the time of the reappointment of the person there was no restriction on him from being a member of the board. I have no intention of getting into the detail of private conversations which I may have had with individuals in the consultative process. The person was appointed in the basis I have outlined and had been appointed to the same position by the previous Minister responsible for appointing this board.

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