Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

My amendment was tabled prior to the appointment of Mr. Gay Byrne and does not imply a lack of confidence, lest the wrong impression was given. I have already said publicly that the choice was a good one by the Minister. His very high profile is exactly what the Road Safety Authority needs.

This amendment relates to members of the board generally. It is not an onerous requirement that in the appointment of the members — I understand the Minister is discussing suitable candidates with the chairman — the Minister should set out why he chose the people concerned. Members of the public who pay for these State agencies are entitled to that. We want good people appointed. We do not mind what constituency or party they are from but we want to know what competence and experience they have to qualify them for the important job they are being asked to do. I do not know why the Minister is running away from that or what difficulty there is with it. It is only good practice and should apply in the case of appointments to any State agency. Will the Minister reconsider?

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