Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

There are many who make contentions to the contrary. Perhaps the Deputy has a number of particular boards in mind. I recall an instance that might be regarded as enhancing transparency when, out of a political compromise, a judicial appointments board was put in place. That happened when I was a member of a previous Government. The need to appoint the board arose out of a political imperative and not on foot of the merit of the case itself.

One can put in place all the architecture of transparency and independence one likes and people can have a view on whether it is the most effective or independent way of doing things. I do not intend to denigrate the relevant board, I am merely making the point that the type of transparent model to which I refer arose out of a political compromise on a completely different issue.

It is important that people who are appointed should serve out of a sense of public duty. They should also serve competently and should take their responsibilities seriously. I take the point that there is a need to ensure that public confidence is upheld in respect of these appointments. However, I do not agree, without sufficient evidence to the contrary, with suggestions to the effect that people in particular categories are less than fit to be appointed to office. As is the case with Members of the Oireachtas, let their conduct and record in office dictate whether they are suitable.

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