Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

As Deputies will be aware from a perusal of the legislation, the vast majority of appointments to this body will be made otherwise and on the direct say-so of the Minister. We are talking about three persons who have qualifications, interests and experience which will be of value to the council in performing its functions. The Tánaiste is conscious of the fact that she has to have some accountability to the House in the public interest in regard to appointments to a body of this kind. I heard words such as "cronyism" used. They apply to all of us, to those who use the expressions as well as those to whom they are directed in the House. The Tánaiste has political responsibilities under the Constitution — as has the House — and she is obliged to discharge them. It is not unreasonable, in legislation of this character, where there is substantial membership on the council, that the Tánaiste should appoint three persons of whom she takes the view, in the public interest, have something to contribute.

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