Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I have three questions for the Taoiseach arising from his reply. I understand that the Green Party, whose Members are not here at present, has written to organisations asking for nominees for green appointments to State boards. Obviously this means there is a carve-up within the Government as regards these appointments, with one party getting three, another one or whatever. Will the Taoiseach confirm whether that is the case because these absent Members were very vociferous and most vocal about all State appointments for a number of years when they sat on the benches behind us?

Does the Taoiseach agree that the time has perhaps come when the important chairmanship and chief executive positions should be overseen by the relevant Dáil committee? I am not suggesting that candidates should be overseen in the investigative sense but that the committee would have explained to it why the candidates believe they have a contribution to make and why their qualifications make them feel eligible for the position on offer.

The case of a county councillor from the Taoiseach's party was referred to the Garda following an investigation by the Standards in Public Office Commission. I do not know what will emerge from this, there may be a prosecution. In another case, an appointee to a State board is under investigation for an alleged assault, but I cannot predict the outcome. Does the Taoiseach believe that, where such instances occur, the persons involved should step aside until the investigation is complete? Does he believe this would be good for the individuals concerned and for the companies they represent?

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