Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

This is not about Deputy Michael Smith's personal suitability or otherwise for appointment. Actually, he is former Deputy Michael Smith. He was a recent Member of the House and I still refer to him as "Deputy Smith". I have the height of regard for him and I do not want to make an issue of him, but a number of elements are the wrong way around. First, the Act requires that the appointment be made following the resolution of the House, but the Government has decided who to appoint, which should not be the case. Once agreement has been secured on the resolution, the appointment is made.

Second, a number of issues reflect on the matters discussed previously rather than on the individual. Is it appropriate that someone who was recently a Member, let alone a Minister, should be appointed to this position? Liam Kavanagh was a number of years out of the House. Third, while it is not a matter of individuals, it is not appropriate for the Government to seek to take the position for one of its own given everything that is occurring. The matter should have been discussed with Opposition parties in advance. In the same spirit, I suggest that the Tánaiste should reflect on whether the resolution should be introduced by the Government in circumstances where my party is manifestly unhappy with the way in which the matter has been handled. If the resolution is introduced and an appointment will be made without agreement, we will have no option but to oppose the resolution.

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