Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)

I move amendment No. 37:

In page 18, line 7, after "architects" to insert the following:

"one of whom should have knowledge of management of the construction sector; one of whom should have knowledge of the third level education sector; and two of whom should have knowledge of social partnership".

We are trying to avoid visiting committee syndrome, where someone other than the current Minister could be tempted to appoint to this responsible board of assessment someone who has no knowledge or experience in this area. We are not trying to curtail the autonomy or power of the Minister but stating "one of whom should have knowledge of management of the construction sector; one of whom should have knowledge of the third level education sector; and two of whom should have knowledge of social partnership". These are broad descriptions, almost as broad as the qualifications for the Seanad panels.

The amendment is an attempt to provide some direction because the Minister of the day may decide to disregard the advice of civil servants and the representations made by other sectors and appoint people who are not appropriate. While patronage is an essential part of any democracy, and is understood as such, it must be tempered by qualifications, eligibility and suitability for certain posts. That is what we are purporting to do in this amendment and I urge the Minister of State to consider it.

See this speech in context