Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Independent)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on the Appointments to Public Bodies Bill 2007 and compliment the Green Party on introducing it. This is an important debate, but that the matter has appeared on the Order Paper so late in the Dáil is a pity.

The legislation's background is the fact that politics have been devalued during the years by broken promises and a lack of trust. For example, people make a series of promises in an election manifesto or programme for Government, but upon entering office, they cast aside many if not all of their promises immediately and take a different road than indicated. Politics and politicians have consequently been brought into dispute.

I do not disagree with the belief out there concerning cronyism, namely, that Ministers have the opportunity to ensure their friends are appointed to State bodies by way of a reward for being members of the political parties in power rather than on the basis of ability.

The legislation is timely and welcome and I will support it in the House. It is worth referring to the explanatory memorandum, which lays out the Bill's purpose. It states: "Public bodies are an essential feature of governance in Ireland and important decisions affecting the lives of people are taken by individuals appointed to the boards of these bodies." Therefore, it is important that the right people — those with ability, the will of the people and a public service ethic — be appointed to the boards. Gender and age balances have been absent previously and a number of groups that might not be seen as being particularly important in society have been excluded.

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