Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

I asked the Taoiseach specifically if he would amend the code of conduct for office holders. The reason I asked that question was that on 28 February last the Taoiseach told us very clearly that he was opposed to the packing of State boards. Will he amend the rules in line with his clearly stated view on that matter, given that in the first six months 375 appointments were made by office holders to State boards and apparently 400 appointments are to be made between now and the end of the Government's term? Is there any point in taking seriously what the Taoiseach says here, that he is opposed to the packing of State boards, when he will not amend the code of conduct for office holders to reflect that clearly stated preference on his part? If he is opposed to it, how can his Ministers go against him in that regard? Will he, therefore, change the code of conduct?

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