Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

Such an approach is appropriate for employing people within organisations rather than the appointment of those who are to be directors or chairpersons of State bodies, which is fundamentally different to full-time employment. Is it credible that senior, experienced professionals and business people, who have already created a successful career in the private sector would wish to go through the processes that would be required under this Bill? In many cases such people have numerous demands on their time and while they may be willing to respond positively to a request from a Minister, they would be unwilling to put their name forward as if applying for a job.

Tapping the experience of business people has been useful to the public sector especially in the area of State companies but also in advisory capacities.

See this speech in context