Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

The requirement of qualifications, interests and experience is wide enough in its own right but in the event there is any doubt, it is qualifications, interests and experience which, in the opinion of the Minister, would render them to be of value to the council in the performance of its functions. I have seen some formulas come before the House which are basically about giving the Minister a free hand to appoint every Tom, Dick and Harry for whatever reason on to State boards but this is the best I have ever seen. I am surprised the Minister of State, Deputy Tim O'Malley, is piloting this formula through the House. It has nothing to do with appointing people who are genuinely qualified, who have a contribution to make or who have some expertise to bring to bear on the work of the council. This is about appointing political activists on to the board and it is wide open to abuse.

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